U.S. patent application number 12/811740 was filed with the patent office on 2010-11-04 for multi-tier and secure service wireless communications networks.
Invention is credited to Alexander Poltorak.
Application Number | 20100279653 12/811740 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41026873 |
Filed Date | 2010-11-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100279653 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Poltorak; Alexander |
November 4, 2010 |
MULTI-TIER AND SECURE SERVICE WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS NETWORKS
Abstract
The present invention pertains to improved communication quality
and security of transmission in cellular communication networks. A
customer has the option to pay different fees for different tiers
of service relating to voice quality, bandwidth access, and
different tiers of service relating to communications security.
Higher tiers may guarantee a specific vocoder or bit rate is used,
or guarantee a specific encryption protocol is use to ensure secure
communications. Different tiers may be associated with customers'
records for billing purposes. The network may afford high end
devices higher voice quality and/or security via a lookup table
indicating what level of service is associated with a given device.
Calling or receiving devices may negotiate with each other to
change to a more robust vocoder or bit rate to ensure a higher
quality and/or security. Furthermore, the user may opt to change
the quality and/or security level before or during a call.
Inventors: |
Poltorak; Alexander;
(Monsey, NY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
LERNER, DAVID, LITTENBERG,;KRUMHOLZ & MENTLIK
600 SOUTH AVENUE WEST
WESTFIELD
NJ
07090
US
|
Family ID: |
41026873 |
Appl. No.: |
12/811740 |
Filed: |
April 29, 2009 |
PCT Filed: |
April 29, 2009 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US09/02674 |
371 Date: |
July 6, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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61166344 |
Apr 3, 2009 |
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61167580 |
Apr 8, 2009 |
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61125971 |
Apr 30, 2008 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
455/410 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04M 2215/74 20130101;
H04M 15/80 20130101; H04W 28/0268 20130101; H04W 72/048 20130101;
H04W 28/22 20130101; H04W 12/06 20130101; H04M 2215/7407 20130101;
H04M 15/8016 20130101; H04M 15/8011 20130101; H04W 12/033 20210101;
H04W 12/02 20130101; H04M 15/00 20130101; H04M 15/43 20130101; H04L
63/12 20130101; H04W 52/265 20130101; H04W 4/24 20130101; H04W
28/20 20130101; H04W 52/267 20130101; H04W 28/24 20130101; H04M
2215/7414 20130101; H04W 72/085 20130101; H04M 15/42 20130101; H04W
12/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
455/410 |
International
Class: |
H04W 12/00 20090101
H04W012/00 |
Claims
1-51. (canceled)
52. A wireless communication system, comprising: at least one base
station; at least one network server operatively connected to the
at least one base station; a data storage device operatively
connected to the at least one network server; a customer record
database stored on the storage device for maintaining records of a
plurality of customers of the wireless communication system and for
identifying at least one wireless mobile station associated with
each of the plurality of customers; a plurality of quality service
levels, each of the plurality of quality service levels
corresponding to a different quality level of communication and to
a different price in an overall pricing structure; and a plurality
of security levels, each of the plurality of security levels
corresponding to a different security level of communication and to
a different service fee in the overall pricing structure; wherein
the customer record database is updatable to reflect a selected one
of the quality of service levels and a selected one of the security
levels for a given customer.
53. A wireless communication system, comprising: at least one base
station; at least one network server operatively connected to the
at least one base station; a data storage device operatively
connected to the at least one network server; a customer record
database stored on the storage device for maintaining records of a
plurality of customers of the wireless communication system and for
identifying at least one wireless mobile station associated with
each of the plurality of customers; a plurality of quality service
levels, each of the plurality of quality service levels
corresponding to a different quality level of communication and to
a different price in an overall pricing structure; and a plurality
of security levels, each of the plurality of security levels
corresponding to a different security level of communication and to
a different service fee in the overall pricing structure; wherein
each quality level of communication is a quality level of an audio
signal to be sent or received by a mobile station of a given
customer.
54. A wireless communication system, comprising: at least one base
station; at least one network server operatively connected to the
at least one base station; a data storage device operatively
connected to the at least one network server; a customer record
database stored on the storage device for maintaining records of a
plurality of customers of the wireless communication system and for
identifying at least one wireless mobile station associated with
each of the plurality of customers; a plurality of quality service
levels, each of the plurality of quality service levels
corresponding to a different quality level of communication and to
a different price in an overall pricing structure; and a plurality
of security levels, each of the plurality of security levels
corresponding to a different security level of communication and to
a different service fee in the overall pricing structure; wherein
the audio signal quality level corresponds to a vocoder bit
rate.
55. A wireless communication system, comprising: at least one base
station; at least one network server operatively connected to the
at least one base station; a data storage device operatively
connected to the at least one network server; a customer record
database stored on the storage device for maintaining records of a
plurality of customers of the wireless communication system and for
identifying at least one wireless mobile station associated with
each of the plurality of customers; a plurality of quality service
levels, each of the plurality of quality service levels
corresponding to a different quality level of communication and to
a different price in an overall pricing structure; and a plurality
of security levels, each of the plurality of security levels
corresponding to a different security level of communication and to
a different service fee in the overall pricing structure; wherein
the audio signal quality level corresponds to a selection of a
vocoder of a user's mobile station.
56. A wireless communication system, comprising: at least one base
station; at least one network server operatively connected to the
at least one base station; a data storage device operatively
connected to the at least one network server; a customer record
database stored on the storage device for maintaining records of a
plurality of customers of the wireless communication system and for
identifying at least one wireless mobile station associated with
each of the plurality of customers; a plurality of quality service
levels, each of the plurality of quality service levels
corresponding to a different quality level of communication and to
a different price in an overall pricing structure; and a plurality
of security levels, each of the plurality of security levels
corresponding to a different security level of communication and to
a different service fee in the overall pricing structure; wherein
the audio signal quality level corresponds to a minimum guaranteed
bandwidth of a user's mobile station.
57. A wireless communication system, comprising: at least one base
station; at least one network server operatively connected to the
at least one base station; a data storage device operatively
connected to the at least one network server; a customer record
database stored on the storage device for maintaining records of a
plurality of customers of the wireless communication system and for
identifying at least one wireless mobile station associated with
each of the plurality of customers; a plurality of quality service
levels, each of the plurality of quality service levels
corresponding to a different quality level of communication and to
a different price in an overall pricing structure; and a plurality
of security levels, each of the plurality of security levels
corresponding to a different security level of communication and to
a different service fee in the overall pricing structure; wherein
the audio signal quality level corresponds to a particular
communication channel availability according to a contract with a
service provider.
58. A method of setting a security level in a cellular
communication network comprising a plurality of base stations, a
plurality of mobile stations and a network server, the network
server having a customer record database associated therewith, the
method comprising: receiving an incoming call indication by a first
one of the plurality of mobile stations, the first mobile station
being registered with the cellular communication network;
determining a security level associated with the first mobile
station; and selecting a security protocol for use by the first
mobile station, the selection being determined by the first mobile
station's security level; wherein determining the security level
includes: determining a model number of the mobile station; and
accessing a lookup table using the model number to identify the
security level associated with the first mobile station's model
number.
59. A method of setting a security level in a cellular
communication network comprising a plurality of base stations, a
plurality of mobile stations and a network server, the network
server having a customer record database associated therewith, the
method comprising: receiving an incoming call indication by a first
one of the plurality of mobile stations, the first mobile station
being registered with the cellular communication network;
determining a security level associated with the first mobile
station; selecting a security protocol for use by the first mobile
station, the selection being determined by the first mobile
station's security level; receiving a service level identifier from
the first mobile station by a first one of the plurality of base
stations of the cellular communication network; validating the
service level identifier; selecting a security protocol for use by
the first base station, the selection being determined by the
validated service level identifier; and transmitting a service
level confirmation to the first mobile station.
60. A method of setting a security level in a cellular
communication network comprising a plurality of base stations, a
plurality of mobile stations and a network server, the network
server having a customer record database associated therewith, the
method comprising: receiving an incoming call indication by a first
one of the plurality of mobile stations, the first mobile station
being registered with the cellular communication network;
determining a security level associated with the first mobile
station; and selecting a security protocol for use by the first
mobile station, the selection being determined by the first mobile
station's security level; wherein: the plurality of mobile stations
further includes a second mobile station; determining further
comprises determining a security level of the second mobile
station; and selecting further comprises: identifying a higher tier
security service level from among the first and second mobile
station security levels; and selecting a security protocol for use
by the first and second mobile stations, the selection being
determined by the higher tier security service level.
61. A method of setting a security level in a cellular
communication network comprising a plurality of base stations, a
plurality of mobile stations and a network server, the network
server having a customer record database associated therewith, the
method comprising: receiving an incoming call indication by a first
one of the plurality of mobile stations, the first mobile station
being registered with the cellular communication network;
determining a security level associated with the first mobile
station; and selecting a security protocol for use by the first
mobile station, the selection being determined by the first mobile
station's security level; wherein: the plurality of mobile stations
further includes a second mobile station; determining further
comprises determining a security level of the second mobile
station; and selecting further comprises: identifying a lower tier
service level from among the first and second mobile station
security levels; and selecting a security protocol for use by the
first and second mobile stations, the selection being determined by
the lower tier security service level.
62. A method of setting a security level in a cellular
communication network comprising a plurality of base stations, a
plurality of mobile stations and a network server, the network
server having a customer record database associated therewith, the
method comprising: receiving an incoming call indication by a first
one of the plurality of mobile stations, the first mobile station
being registered with the cellular communication network;
determining a security level associated with the first mobile
station; and selecting a security protocol for use by the first
mobile station, the selection being determined by the first mobile
station's security level; wherein the plurality of mobile stations
further includes a second mobile station, the determining includes
determining a service level of the second mobile station and the
selecting further comprises: identifying a higher tier service
level from among the first and second mobile station service
levels; selecting at least one of a vocoder and a vocoder bit rate
for use by the first and second mobile stations based upon the
higher tier service level; adaptively adjusting a given service
level for a higher tier subscriber device among the first and
second mobile stations so that the higher tier subscriber device is
configured communicate at a lowest tier service level; adaptively
measuring a quality of transmission between the first and second
mobile stations; adaptively adjusting a quality of signal level to
a next higher signal level if a transcoder reports signal
degradation; and repeating the identifying, selecting, adaptively
adjusting the given service level, adaptively measuring and
adaptively adjusting the quality of signal level operations until a
higher service level of a subscriber's mobile station is satisfied
or no the further adjustment of the service level of the
subscriber's mobile station is possible.
63. A method of communicating in a cellular communication network
comprising a plurality of base stations, a plurality of mobile
stations and a network server, the network server having customer
record database associated therewith, the method comprising:
initiating a call scenario for a first one of the plurality of
mobile stations, the first mobile station being registered on the
cellular communication network; identifying a service level
associated with the first mobile station, including retrieving a
predetermined security level stored in a memory of the first mobile
station; selecting at least one of a vocoder and a vocoder bit rate
for use by the first mobile station, the selection being determined
by the identified service level; and communicating with the
cellular communication network using the selected vocoder or the
selected vocoder bit rate; wherein identifying the service level
includes retrieving a predetermined quality of service level stored
in a memory of the first mobile station.
64. A method of communicating in a cellular communication network
comprising a plurality of base stations, a plurality of mobile
stations and a network server, the network server having customer
record database associated therewith, the method comprising:
initiating a call scenario for a first one of the plurality of
mobile stations, the first mobile station being registered on the
cellular communication network; identifying a service level
associated with the first mobile station, including retrieving a
predetermined security level stored in a memory of the first mobile
station; selecting at least one of a vocoder and a vocoder bit rate
for use by the first mobile station, the selection being determined
by the identified service level; and communicating with the
cellular communication network using the selected vocoder or the
selected vocoder bit rate; wherein the memory is a nonvolatile
memory of the first mobile station.
65. A method of communicating in a cellular communication network
comprising a plurality of base stations, a plurality of mobile
stations and a network server, the network server having customer
record database associated therewith, the method comprising:
initiating a call scenario for a first one of the plurality of
mobile stations, the first mobile station being registered on the
cellular communication network; identifying a service level
associated with the first mobile station, including retrieving a
predetermined security level stored in a memory of the first mobile
station; selecting at least one of a vocoder and a vocoder bit rate
for use by the first mobile station, the selection being determined
by the identified service level; and communicating with the
cellular communication network using the selected vocoder or the
selected vocoder bit rate; wherein the memory is a subscriber
identity module of the first mobile station.
66. A method of communicating in a cellular communication network
comprising a plurality of base stations, a plurality of mobile
stations and a network server, the network server having customer
record database associated therewith, the method comprising:
initiating a call scenario for a first one of the plurality of
mobile stations, the first mobile station being registered on the
cellular communication network; identifying a service level
associated with the first mobile station, including retrieving a
predetermined security level stored in a memory of the first mobile
station; selecting at least one of a vocoder and a vocoder bit rate
for use by the first mobile station, the selection being determined
by the identified service level; and communicating with the
cellular communication network using the selected vocoder or the
selected vocoder bit rate; wherein the call scenario is initiated
by a user of the first mobile station making an outgoing call.
67. A method of communicating in a cellular communication network
comprising a plurality of base stations, a plurality of mobile
stations and a network server, the network server having customer
record database associated therewith, the method comprising:
initiating a call scenario for a first one of the plurality of
mobile stations, the first mobile station being registered on the
cellular communication network; identifying a service level
associated with the first mobile station, including retrieving a
predetermined security level stored in a memory of the first mobile
station; selecting at least one of a vocoder and a vocoder bit rate
for use by the first mobile station, the selection being determined
by the identified service level; and communicating with the
cellular communication network using the selected vocoder or the
selected vocoder bit rate; wherein the call scenario is an incoming
call received by the first mobile station.
68. A method of communicating in a cellular communication network
comprising a plurality of base stations and a network server having
customer record database, the method comprising: receiving an
incoming call from a first one of a plurality of mobile stations,
the first mobile station being registered on the cellular
communication network; determining a service level associated with
the first mobile station; selecting a predetermined minimum
bandwidth for use by the first mobile station, the selection being
determined by the service level of the first mobile station;
allocating the selected predetermined minimum bandwidth for use by
the first mobile station; and communicating with the first mobile
station using the selected bandwidth; wherein the service level of
the first mobile station is stored in a customer record of the
customer record database.
69. A method of communicating in a cellular communication network
comprising a plurality of base stations and a network server having
customer record database, the method comprising: receiving an
incoming call from a first one of a plurality of mobile stations,
the first mobile station being registered on the cellular
communication network; determining a service level associated with
the first mobile station; selecting a predetermined minimum
bandwidth for use by the first mobile station, the selection being
determined by the service level of the first mobile station;
allocating the selected predetermined minimum bandwidth for use by
the first mobile station; and communicating with the first mobile
station using the selected bandwidth; wherein the selected
predetermined bandwidth is allocated for the duration of the
incoming call.
70. A method of communicating in a cellular communication network
comprising a plurality of base stations and a network server having
customer record database, the method comprising: receiving an
incoming call from a first one of a plurality of mobile stations,
the first mobile station being registered on the cellular
communication network; determining a service level associated with
the first mobile station; selecting a predetermined minimum
bandwidth for use by the first mobile station, the selection being
determined by the service level of the first mobile station;
allocating the selected predetermined minimum bandwidth for use by
the first mobile station; and communicating with the first mobile
station using the selected bandwidth; wherein the incoming call
includes a bandwidth indicator that is received by a first one of
the plurality of base stations.
71. The method of claim 70, further comprising: passing the
bandwidth indicator from the first base station to the network
server; validating the bandwidth indicator at the network server by
comparing the bandwidth indicator to a bandwidth value associated
with the first mobile station that is stored in the customer record
database; and if the bandwidth indicator is validated, enabling the
allocation of the selected predetermined minimum bandwidth for use
by the first mobile station.
72. A mobile station for operation on a multi-tier wireless
communication network providing a plurality of service tiers
corresponding to different levels of secured wireless
communications, said mobile station comprising: a housing; a
microphone positioned within the housing; an analog-to-digital
converter disposed within the housing and operatively connected to
the microphone; a digital signal processor disposed within the
housing and operatively connected to the analog-to-digital
converter; a receiver disposed within the housing and operatively
connected to the digital signal processor; a transmitter disposed
within the housing and operatively connected to the digital signal
processor; an antenna at least partially received within the
housing and operatively connected to the transmitter and the
receiver; and at least one vocoder operable to code and decode
signals corresponding to the plurality of service tiers on the
wireless communication network; wherein the plurality of service
tiers includes a premium service tier, the at least one vocoder is
operable to code and decode signals corresponding to the premium
service tier, and wherein the premium service tier is associated
with a higher security level of wireless communications; said
mobile station comprising further comprising memory for storing a
security indicator, the memory being operatively coupled to the
transmitter, wherein upon communication to a base station of the
wireless communication network, the security indicator is retrieved
from the memory and passed to the base station, whereby the
security indicator instructs the base station to select an
appropriate vocoder for a predetermined security level of
communication corresponding to the security indicator.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 61/125,971, entitled "Multi-Tier Service Wireless
Communications Network," filed Apr. 30, 2008, U.S. Provisional
Application No. 61/166,344,entitled "Multi-Tier Quality of Service
Wireless Communications Networks," filed Apr. 3, 2009, and U.S.
Provisional Application No. 61/167,580, entitled "Multi-Tier and
Secure Service Wireless Communications Networks," filed Apr. 8,
2009, the entire disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by
reference herein.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to wireless
communications, and, more particularly, to creating multi-tier
cellular phone communications system with different quality tiers
of services and/or different security tiers of communication.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The use of wireless communication has grown steadily for
years, as wireless communication systems offer customers
convenience and flexibility. Wireless cellular communication
systems have been based on a wide variety of technologies, such as
Time Division Multiple Access ("TDMA"), Global System for Mobile
communications ("GSM"), Universal Mobile Telecommunications System
("UMTS"), and Code Division Multiple Access ("CDMA"). These
technologies have evolved in an attempt to increase the number of
subscribers that can be serviced at a given time (capacity) and
also to improve the quality of service for subscribers. For
instance, in recent years so-called third generation or "3G"
cellular systems have been deployed to provide access to fast
Internet and video. These include systems based upon standards
and/or recommendations such as 3GPP and IMT-2000, which implement
wideband CDMA ("WCDMA") or other high-bandwidth architectures.
[0004] Such systems offer customers a wide array of services, from
basic voice communication to Short Message text messaging ("SMS"),
Multimedia Messaging Service ("MMS"), e-mail access and even video
applications. FIG. 1 illustrates a conventional cellular wide-area
network implementation 10 in which a number of cells 12 are each
served by one or more base stations ("BSs") 14. Each base station
may include a RF (Radio Frequency) transmission section and a
baseband section for signal processing, call management, etc. A
number of base stations are typically coupled to a mobile switching
center ("MSC") or mobile telephone switching office ("MTSO") 16. In
turn, the MTSO 16 is coupled to other network elements (not shown)
and/or to the public switched telephone network ("PSTN") 18. User
devices 20 include wireless telephones, laptop computers, Personal
Digital Assistants ("PDAs") and other devices that have two-way
voice, data and/or video capabilities. Such devices are often
referred to as mobile units or mobile stations ("MSs").
[0005] As a given mobile station 20 travels or roams across a
service provider's network, it typically sends and receives packets
of data, including digitized voice, from multiple base stations. At
any given time, primary communication (e.g., a voice call) is
conducted between the mobile station and one base station, commonly
referred to as the "serving base station." The serving base station
may change from a first base station to a second base station as
the location of the mobile station changes or other factors impinge
on the signal between the mobile station and first base station.
This process of switching between base stations is called
handoff.
[0006] One of the major problems in cellular communication may be
the unsatisfactory quality of service for subscribers. The signals
transmitted between users' mobile stations and the network's base
stations may be affected by a number of different factors,
including blockage by buildings or terrain, multipath interference,
movement and speed of the mobile station, handoffs between base
stations, other mobile stations, etc; other network transmission
characteristics, such as delay, jitter and uptime (availability) of
the network affect signal quality as well. Furthermore, there is a
finite bandwidth available at each base station or for a given cell
in the wireless system. Thus, users are often subject to dropped
calls and inferior voice quality, in contrast to the general high
reliability of landline phone communications with plain old
telephone service ("POTS").
[0007] The number of users who can be served by a cell or by a
particular base station is impacted by the above mentioned issues
and other factors. Service providers and mobile equipment
manufacturers have attempted to deal with such issues with a number
of different solutions. For instance, a serving base station may
require mobile stations to perform power control to limit their
transmission power. This helps to reduce the interference presented
by transmissions from other mobile stations signals and therefore
increase the signal to interference and noise ratio ("SINR") for
other mobile stations. It can also enable more users on the system
at a given time.
[0008] Mobile stations may also employ improved reception using
so-called "RAKE" receivers to handle multipath propagation. See,
for instance, "WCDMA for UMTS: Radio Access for Third Generation
Mobile Communications," edited by Holma and Toskala, copyright 2000
by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., the entire disclosure of which is
hereby incorporated by reference herein. Another useful reference
is "CDMA: Principles of Spread Spectrum Communication," by Andrew
Viterbi, copyright 1995 by Addison-Wesley Publishing Co., the
entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference
herein.
[0009] Another solution to make a communication channel more
efficient implements speech coding to reduce the amount of data
that must be sent in order to reliably reproduce a user's voice. A
general treatment of speech coding may be found in "Mobile
Communication Systems," by Parsons and Gardiner, copyright 1989 by
Blackie and Son Ltd., the entire disclosure of which is hereby
incorporated by reference herein.
[0010] Speech coding in mobile telephony applications is typically
done using a codec (coder/decoder). Voice codecs or voice coders
("vocoders") having varying levels of compression are often
employed to reduce the required communication bandwidth by reducing
the sampling rate of a voice signal. The terms codec and vocoder
are used interchangeably herein.
[0011] Most of the frequencies that reproduce speech lie in the
range of about 300 Hz to 3400 Hz. A band-limited signal, such as a
speech signal, may be reconstructed from digital samples taken at
or above the "Nyquist rate," which is a rate corresponding to two
times the frequency bandwidth of the signal. This may require up to
64 Kb/s per user. However some vocoders can provide a reasonably
good representation of voice with as little as 2.4 Kb/s of data
rate.
[0012] Over the years, a number of different techniques have been
used in different systems. By way of example only, one technique
called code-excited linear prediction ("CELP") has been implemented
by Qualcomm in its "QCELP" vocoders. Another popular technique is
called the enhanced variable rate codec ("EVRC"). More recently, a
variation called EVRC-B has been implemented in 3G systems. Other
techniques include the selectable mode vocoder ("SMV") and adaptive
multi-rate compression ("AMR").
[0013] One of the advantages of vocoders implementing such
techniques is that the compression rate may be varied. Variable
compression can result in reduced transmission overhead, which, in
turn, can enable a service provider to accommodate more users on
the wireless system. However, for any given vocoder the higher the
compression level and the fewer bits used to represent the
information, the less the output sounds like the original input
(e.g., the voice of the user). In other words, the fidelity of the
coded voice will decrease as the number of bits used to represent
the voice decreases. While the user may not notice some degradation
in quality, if the bit rate is reduced enough, or if a less robust
vocoder is used, at some point the user may become aware of the
reduced quality of the call.
[0014] Furthermore, in many applications a vocoder may change the
bit rate one or more times during a call, and different calls may
use different vocoders. Thus, a user may experience varying voice
quality in the middle of a call or when making or receiving
different calls. This can be frustrating to many users.
Unfortunately, in conventional systems the user has no control over
which vocoder is used or which level of compression is employed at
any given time. Instead, these are typically mandated by standards
and/or by the carrier's or service provider's own requirements or
specifications.
[0015] In view of this, one can consider cellular
telecommunications systems to be "one size fits all" types of
systems. All mobile phones operating on a given network are subject
to the same constraints, regardless of whether the mobile phone was
given to the user for free as part of a particular plan or whether
the user paid hundreds of dollars or more for the phone. There is
usually no differentiation, and bandwidth and transmission
characteristics mentioned above are imposed on all subscribers.
[0016] By way of example only, certain manufacturers have offered
luxury cellular phones costing many thousands of dollars. Nokia,
for one, launched a company called Vertu to sell high end phones.
The Vertu Constellation, which is finished in 18 kt gold, retailed
for $20,000. An even more expensive phone is the Motorola SLVR L7
Diamond, which was priced at $75,000. And the Diamond Crypto
Smartphone has been reported to cost $1.3 million. Nonetheless, in
existing systems users of such phones are subject to the same
performance problems and constraints as are users of low priced or
even free phones.
[0017] Vocoder performance is only one aspect that affects quality
of service ("QoS") for a subscriber. As soon as signal leaves a
mobile station, it is traveling through many spans and even
networks until it reaches its destination, which may be another
mobile station. Such transmission characteristics as network
availability (which often relates to equipment protection), signal
delay, jitter and dropped packets rate are the major factors that
affect the grade of service quality. In tradition cellular
networks, there is no differentiation of users by quality of
service.
[0018] As a rule, the same network infrastructure may support
business and residential users, as well as users with sensitive
information. Breaches of security are a very common fact in
cellular networks. In the traditional network infrastructure, there
is no differentiation of users by the security level. This may
result in service degradation and unwillingness of potential users
to subscribe to the service.
[0019] It may be useful to note that in the literature on wireless
communications the term "multi-tier cellular network" usually
refers to overlaying cells of different size such as micro-cells
and macro-cells in a two-tier network, which are commonly used
today. This is not the meaning of "multi-tier" network as it is
used herein. A "multi-tier" network as used herein refers to a
wireless communication network with different tiers of service,
wherein each tier of service corresponds to a different level of
service, such as quality of service (QoS) or different levels of
security, each tier priced differently. In the literature, such
networks are often referred to as "multi-class wireless networks."
For the purposes of this disclosure the terms "multi-tier" and
"multi-class" are used interchangeably as synonymous.
[0020] In view of the above, a need exists for improved service
quality in cellular communications systems and other wireless
architectures. A further need exists for a multi-tier cell phone
service offering customers guaranteed minimum bandwidth and level
of quality of communication (defined also by latency, jitter, and
network availability and dropped rate of the calls). Yet another
need exists for custom service plans allowing customers to purchase
custom level of cell phone communication service, which guarantees
a minimum bandwidth and level of quality of communication (defined
also by latency, jitter, network availability and dropped rate of
the calls), corresponding to a particular tier in a multi-tier
communication system. Still another need exists to match the
quality of cellular phone communications to the quality and/or
price level of a handset used by a customer. A further need exists
for custom service plans allowing customers to purchase custom
level of cell phone communication service, which guarantees secure
communications in the public-accessible cellular network; and to
match a security level to a particular fee structure of the
service.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0021] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention,
a method of providing telecommunication service in a wireless
communication network comprises: providing a plurality of service
levels, each of the plurality of service levels corresponding to a
different quality and/or security level of communication between a
wireless mobile station and a base station of the wireless
communication network, and each of the plurality of service levels
also corresponds to different service charges in an overall pricing
structure; providing an option to a customer to select one of the
plurality of service levels for use with the wireless mobile
station; storing the selected service level in a customer record
associated with the wireless mobile station; and configuring the
customer record to bill the customer a predetermined price for the
selected service level.
[0022] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention,
a wireless communication system comprises at least one base
station; at least one network server operatively connected to the
at least one base station; a data storage device operatively
connected to the at least one network server; a customer record
database stored on the storage device for maintaining records of a
plurality of customers of the wireless communication system and for
identifying at least one wireless mobile station associated with
each of the plurality of customers; and a plurality of service
quality and/or security levels, each of the plurality of service
levels corresponding to a different quality and/or security level
of communication and to a different service fee in an overall
pricing structure.
[0023] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention,
a method of setting a service level in a cellular communication
network comprising a plurality of base stations, a plurality of
mobile stations and a network server, the network server having a
customer record database associated therewith, the method comprises
receiving an incoming call indication by a first one of the
plurality of mobile stations, the first mobile station being
registered with the cellular communication network; determining a
service level (both quality and/or security) associated with the
first mobile station; and selecting at least one of a vocoder and a
vocoder bit rate for use by the first mobile station, the selection
being determined by the first mobile station's service level
agreement; and selecting at least one security level associated
with the first mobile station, the selection being determined by
the first mobile station service level agreement.
[0024] In accordance with a further embodiment of the present
invention, a method of communicating in a cellular communication
network comprising a plurality of base stations, a plurality of
mobile stations and a network server is provided. The network
server has a customer record database associated therewith. The
method comprises initiating a call scenario for a first one of the
plurality of mobile stations, the first mobile station being
registered on the cellular communication network; identifying a
service level associated with the first mobile station; selecting
at least one of a vocoder and a vocoder bit rate for use by the
first mobile station, the selection being determined by the
identified service level; and communicating with the cellular
communication network using the selected vocoder with the selected
vocoder bit rate in accordance with the service level agreement
purchased by a subscriber.
[0025] In accordance with a further embodiment of the present
invention, a method of communicating in a cellular communication
network comprising a plurality of base stations, a plurality of
mobile stations and a network server is provided. The network
server has a customer record database associated therewith. The
method comprises initiating a call scenario for a first one of the
plurality of mobile stations, the first mobile station being
registered on the cellular communication network; identifying a
security level associated with the first mobile station; selecting
at least one of a vocoder and vocoder guaranteed security level for
use by the first mobile station, the selection being determined by
the identified security level; and communicating with the cellular
communication network using the selected vocoder in accordance with
the service level agreement purchased by a subscriber.
[0026] In accordance with a further embodiment of the present
invention, a method of communicating in a cellular communication
network comprising a plurality of base stations, a plurality of
mobile stations and a network server is provided. The network
server has a customer record database associated therewith. The
method comprises initiating a call scenario for a first one of the
plurality of mobile stations, the first mobile station being
registered on the cellular communication network; identifying a
security level associated with the first mobile station; selecting
at least one of a vocoder and vocoder guaranteed security level and
service quality level for use by the first mobile station, the
selection being determined by the identified service quality level
and security level; and communicating with the cellular
communication network using the selected vocoder.
[0027] In accordance with a further embodiment of the present
invention, a method of communicating in a cellular communication
network comprising a plurality of base stations and a network
server having customer record database, the method comprises
receiving an incoming call from a first one of a plurality of
mobile stations, the first mobile station being registered on the
cellular communication network; determining a service level
associated with the first mobile station; selecting a predetermined
minimum bandwidth for use by the first mobile station, the
selection being determined by the service level of the first mobile
station; allocating the selected predetermined minimum bandwidth
for use by the first mobile station; and communicating with the
first mobile station using the selected bandwidth as per a Service
Level Agreement ("SLA").
[0028] In accordance with yet another embodiment of the present
invention, a mobile station for operation on a multi-tier wireless
communication network providing a plurality of quality of service
and security tiers corresponding to different levels of quality of
wireless communications and security, the wireless mobile station
comprises a housing; a microphone positioned within the housing; an
analog-to-digital converter disposed within the housing and
operatively connected to the microphone; a digital signal processor
disposed within the housing and operatively connected to the
analog-to-digital converter; an encryption/decryption device
disposed within the housing and operatively connected to
transceiver; a receiver disposed within the housing and operatively
connected to the digital signal processor; a transmitter disposed
within the housing and operatively connected to the digital signal
processor; an antenna at least partially received within the
housing and operatively connected to the transmitter and the
receiver; and at least one vocoder operable to code and decode
signals corresponding to the plurality of service tiers on the
wireless communication network.
[0029] In another embodiment, a base station is provided for use in
a multi-tier wireless communication network providing a plurality
of service tiers corresponding to different levels of quality and
security of wireless communications. The base station comprising a
tower; an antenna positioned on the tower; a transceiver for
transmitting and receiving data packets to and from mobile users in
the wireless communication network; and a processor operatively
coupled to the transceiver and programmed to select a vocoder for
corresponding tier communication in response to a phone call from a
wireless mobile station based on the record in a lookup table.
[0030] In another embodiment, a method of providing
telecommunication service in a wireless communication network is
provided. The method comprises providing a plurality of service
levels, each of the plurality of service levels corresponding to a
different quality level of communication between a wireless mobile
station and a base station of the wireless communication network,
and each of the plurality of service levels also corresponds to a
different service fees in an overall pricing structure; providing
an option to a customer to select one of the plurality of quality
service levels for use with the wireless mobile station; storing
the selected quality service level in a customer record associated
with the wireless mobile station; and configuring the customer
record to bill the customer a predetermined price for the selected
service level.
[0031] In one example, each quality level of communication is a
quality level of an audio signal sent or received by the wireless
mobile station. In an alternative, the audio signal quality level
corresponds to a particular vocoder bit rate. In another
alternative, the audio signal quality level corresponds to a
selection of a vocoder used by the wireless mobile station. In a
further alternative, the audio signal quality level corresponds to
a minimum guaranteed bandwidth used by the wireless mobile station.
In yet another alternative, the audio signal quality level relates
to a dropped call rate. In another alternative, the audio signal
quality level corresponds to at least one of a frequency range of
an incoming audio signal, a sampling frequency of the incoming
audio signal, and a dynamic range of the incoming audio signal. In
a further alternative, the audio signal quality level corresponds
to a predetermine level of network protection between mobile
stations involved in a conversation; and the network protection
ranges from a basic protection level to a 1:1 protection level to
guarantee a quality of service (QoS) purchased by a subscriber. In
another alternative, the audio signal quality level corresponds to
a service level determined by a contract between a service provider
and a subscriber including at least one of a maximum allowed
latency and a jitter value guaranteed by the service provider.
[0032] In another example, the wireless communication network
reserves at least one of a predetermined bandwidth and a protection
level for at least some of the plurality of quality service levels.
In a further example, the wireless communication network is a
cellular communication network.
[0033] Another embodiment is directed to a wireless communication
system, comprising at least one base station; at least one network
server operatively connected to the at least one base station; a
data storage device operatively connected to the at least one
network server; a customer record database stored on the storage
device for maintaining records of a plurality of customers of the
wireless communication system and for identifying at least one
wireless mobile station associated with each of the plurality of
customers; plurality of quality service levels, each of the
plurality of quality service levels corresponding to a different
quality level of communication and to a different price in an
overall pricing structure; and a plurality of security levels, each
of the plurality of security levels corresponding to a different
security level of communication and to a different service fee in
the overall pricing structure.
[0034] In one example, the customer record database is updatable to
reflect a selected one of the quality of service levels and a
selected one of the security levels for a given customer. In
another example, each quality level of communication is a quality
level of an audio signal to be sent or received by a mobile station
of a given customer. In a further example, the audio signal quality
level corresponds to a vocoder bit rate. In another example, the
audio signal quality level corresponds to a selection of a vocoder
of a user's mobile station. In yet another example, the audio
signal quality level corresponds to a minimum guaranteed bandwidth
of a user's mobile station. And in another example, the audio
signal quality level corresponds to a particular communication
channel availability according to a contract with a service
provider.
[0035] Another embodiment is directed to a method of setting a
quality service level in a cellular communication network
comprising a plurality of base stations, a plurality of mobile
stations and a network server, the network server having a customer
record database associated therewith. The method comprises
receiving an incoming call indication by a first one of the
plurality of mobile stations, the first mobile station being
registered with the cellular communication network; determining a
quality service level associated with the first mobile station; and
selecting at least one of a vocoder and a vocoder bit rate for use
by the first mobile station, the selection being determined by the
first mobile station's quality service level.
[0036] Another method is directed to setting a security level in a
cellular communication network comprising a plurality of base
stations, a plurality of mobile stations and a network server, the
network server having a customer record database associated
therewith. The method comprises receiving an incoming call
indication by a first one of the plurality of mobile stations, the
first mobile station being registered with the cellular
communication network; determining a security level associated with
the first mobile station; and selecting a security protocol for use
by the first mobile station, the selection being determined by the
first mobile station's security level.
[0037] In one example, determining the security level includes
querying the customer record database to identify the first mobile
station's security level. In another example, determining the
security level includes determining a model number of the mobile
station; and accessing a lookup table using the model number to
identify the security level associated with the first mobile
station's model number. In a further example, the method further
comprises receiving a service level identifier from the first
mobile station by a first one of the plurality of base stations of
the cellular communication network; validating the service level
identifier; selecting a security protocol for use by the first base
station, the selection being determined by the validated service
level identifier; and transmitting a service level confirmation to
the first mobile station.
[0038] In another example, the plurality of mobile stations further
includes a second mobile station; determining further comprises
determining a security level of the second mobile station; and
selecting further comprises identifying a higher tier security
service level from among the first and second mobile station
security levels; and selecting a security protocol for use by the
first and second mobile stations, the selection being determined by
the higher tier security service level. In a further example, the
plurality of mobile stations further includes a second mobile
station; determining further comprises determining a security level
of the second mobile station; and selecting further comprises
identifying a lower tier service level from among the first and
second mobile station security levels; and selecting a security
protocol for use by the first and second mobile stations, the
selection being determined by the lower tier security service
level.
[0039] In another example, the plurality of mobile stations further
includes a second mobile station, wherein the determining includes
determining a service level of the second mobile station and the
selecting further comprises identifying a higher tier service level
from among the first and second mobile station service levels;
selecting at least one of a vocoder and a vocoder bit rate for use
by the first and second mobile stations based upon the higher tier
service level; adaptively adjusting a given service level for a
higher tier subscriber device among the first and second mobile
stations so that the higher tier subscriber device is configured
communicate at a lowest tier service level; adaptively measuring a
quality of transmission between the first and second mobile
stations; adaptively adjusting a quality of signal level to a next
higher signal level if a transcoder reports signal degradation; and
repeating the identifying, selecting, adaptively adjusting the
given service level, adaptively measuring and adaptively adjusting
the quality of signal level operations until a higher service level
of a subscriber's mobile station is satisfied or no the further
adjustment of the service level of the subscriber's mobile station
is possible.
[0040] Another embodiment is directed to a method of communicating
in a cellular communication network comprising a plurality of base
stations, a plurality of mobile stations and a network server, the
network server having customer record database associated
therewith. The method comprises initiating a call scenario for a
first one of the plurality of mobile stations, the first mobile
station being registered on the cellular communication network;
identifying a service level associated with the first mobile
station; selecting at least one of a vocoder and a vocoder bit rate
for use by the first mobile station, the selection being determined
by the identified service level; and communicating with the
cellular communication network using the selected vocoder or the
selected vocoder bit rate.
[0041] In one example, identifying the service level includes
retrieving a predetermined quality of service level stored in a
memory of the first mobile station. In another example, identifying
the service level includes retrieving a predetermined security
level stored in a memory of the first mobile station. In a further
example, the memory is a nonvolatile memory of the first mobile
station. In another example, the memory is a subscriber identity
module of the first mobile station. In yet another example, the
call scenario is initiated by a user of the first mobile station
making an outgoing call. In another example, selecting the at least
one of the vocoder and the vocoder bit rate is done at the first
mobile station. In a further example, the call scenario is an
incoming call received by the first mobile station. And in another
example, the plurality of mobile stations further comprises a
second mobile station; the incoming call is initiated by the second
mobile station; and selecting further includes selecting at least
one of a vocoder and a vocoder bit rate for use by the second
mobile station for the incoming call.
[0042] Another embodiment is directed to a method of communicating
in a cellular communication network comprising a plurality of base
stations and a network server having customer record database. The
method comprises receiving an incoming call from a first one of a
plurality of mobile stations, the first mobile station being
registered on the cellular communication network; determining a
service level associated with the first mobile station; selecting a
predetermined minimum bandwidth for use by the first mobile
station, the selection being determined by the service level of the
first mobile station; allocating the selected predetermined minimum
bandwidth for use by the first mobile station; and communicating
with the first mobile station using the selected bandwidth.
[0043] In one example, the service level of the first mobile
station is stored in a customer record of the customer record
database. In another example, the selected predetermined bandwidth
is allocated for the duration of the incoming call. In a further
example, the incoming call includes a bandwidth indicator that is
received by a first one of the plurality of base stations. In this
case, the method may further comprise passing the bandwidth
indicator from the first base station to the network server;
validating the bandwidth indicator at the network server by
comparing the bandwidth indicator to a bandwidth value associated
with the first mobile station that is stored in the customer record
database; and if the bandwidth indicator is validated, enabling the
allocation of the selected predetermined minimum bandwidth for use
by the first mobile station.
[0044] Another embodiment is directed to a method of providing a
multi-tier telecommunication service for mobile stations in a
cellular communication network including a plurality of base
stations. The method comprises providing a plurality of
communication modes, each of the plurality of communication modes
having a different quality level of communication between mobile
stations utilizing the cellular communication network and the
plurality of base stations of the cellular communication network;
and providing a plurality of service tiers, each of the plurality
of service tiers corresponding to one of the plurality of
communication modes, wherein each of the plurality of service tiers
also corresponds to a different price so that a first one of the
tiers corresponding to a communication mode with a higher quality
level of communication is more expensively priced than a second one
of the tiers corresponding to a communication mode with a lower
quality level of communication.
[0045] A further embodiment is directed to a method of providing a
multi-tier telecommunication service for mobile stations in a
cellular communication network including a plurality of base
stations. The method comprises providing a plurality of
communication modes, each of the plurality of communication modes
having a different security level of communication between mobile
stations utilizing the cellular communication network and the
plurality of base stations of the cellular communication network;
and providing a plurality of security tiers, each of the plurality
of security tiers corresponding to one of the plurality of
communication modes, wherein each of the plurality of security
tiers also corresponds to a different price so that a first one of
the tiers corresponding to a communication mode with a higher
security level of communication is more expensively priced than a
second one of the tiers corresponding to a communication mode with
a lower security level of communication.
[0046] In one example, the method further comprises providing a
first mobile station for use in the cellular communication network,
the first service tier corresponding to the communication mode with
the higher security level of communication being associated with
the first mobile station; providing a second mobile station for use
in the cellular communication network, the second service tier
corresponding to the communication mode with the lower security
level of communication being associated with the second mobile
station; and offering the first mobile station for sale or lease at
a higher price than the second mobile station.
[0047] In another example, the method further comprises selling or
leasing at least one of the first and second mobile stations to a
customer; and storing each security tier associated with the at
least one of the first and second mobile stations in a customer
record associated with the sold or leased at least one of the first
and second mobile stations. In this case, the method may further
comprise configuring the customer record to bill the customer a
predetermined price for each stored security tier.
[0048] In another embodiment, a method of procuring multi-tier
cellular telecommunication service in a cellular communication
network comprising a plurality of base stations and a mobile
station is provided. The method comprises identifying a plurality
of service tiers, each of the tiers corresponding to a different
security level of communication between the mobile station and the
plurality of base stations of the cellular communication network;
and selecting one of the service tiers from among the plurality of
service tiers. In one example, each of the plurality of service
tiers also corresponds to a different price, so that a premium tier
corresponding to a higher security level of communication is priced
higher than a tier corresponding to a lower security level of
communication. In an alternative, the method further comprises
purchasing by a customer the selected service tier for use with the
mobile station. In another alternative, the selected service tier
is the premium service tier and the method further comprises paying
a predetermined higher price for the selected premium service tier.
And in a further alternative, the selected service tier is a
premium security tier and the method further comprises paying a
predetermined higher price for the selected premium security
tier.
[0049] Another embodiment is directed to a mobile station for
operation on a multi-tier wireless communication network providing
a plurality of service tiers corresponding to different levels of
secured wireless communications. The mobile station comprises a
housing; a microphone positioned within the housing; an
analog-to-digital converter disposed within the housing and
operatively connected to the microphone; a digital signal processor
disposed within the housing and operatively connected to the
analog-to-digital converter; a receiver disposed within the housing
and operatively connected to the digital signal processor; a
transmitter disposed within the housing and operatively connected
to the digital signal processor; an antenna at least partially
received within the housing and operatively connected to the
transmitter and the receiver; and at least one vocoder operable to
code and decode signals corresponding to the plurality of service
tiers on the wireless communication network.
[0050] In one example, the plurality of service tiers includes a
premium service tier, the at least one vocoder is operable to code
and decode signals corresponding to the premium service tier, and
wherein the premium service tier is associated with a higher
security level of wireless communications. In another example, the
at least one vocoder is programmed to provide a higher bit rate
encoding scheme for a higher security of voice communication. In a
further example, the mobile station further comprises memory for
storing a security indicator, the memory being operatively coupled
to the transmitter, wherein upon communication to a base station of
the wireless communication network, the security indicator is
retrieved from the memory and passed to the base station, whereby
the security indicator instructs the base station to select an
appropriate vocoder for a predetermined security level of
communication corresponding to the security indicator.
[0051] A further embodiment is directed to a base station for use
in a multi-tier wireless communication network providing a
plurality of service tiers corresponding to different security
levels of wireless communications. The base station comprises a
tower; an antenna positioned on the tower; a transceiver for
transmitting and a receiver for receiving data to and from mobile
users in the wireless communication network; and a processor
operatively coupled to the transceiver and the receiver and
programmed to select a vocoder for premium tier communication in
response to a phone call from a wireless mobile station based on
the record in a lookup table. In one example, the lookup table is
one of a phone number identifier and a model of the wireless mobile
station.
[0052] A further embodiment is directed to a wireless communication
system comprising at least one base station; at least one wireless
mobile station capable of communicating with said at least one base
station using radio frequency communication; mobile switching
center; wireless communication network linking said at least one
base station and said at least one wireless mobile station with
said mobile switching center; wherein said wireless communication
network provides a plurality of tiers of wireless service
corresponding to a different security level of communication
between a wireless mobile station and a base station of the
wireless communication network, and each of the plurality of
service security levels also corresponds to a different price in an
overall pricing structure.
[0053] In yet another embodiment, a cellular telephone network
comprises a plurality of base stations and a plurality of cellular
phones, and an improvement comprises a multi-tier service having a
plurality of communication modes utilizing at least one of a secure
communication channel, a vocoder and a vocoder bit rate, wherein a
premium-tier mode corresponds to a more secure communication
channel; and a plurality of service tiers priced differently,
wherein each of the plurality of service tiers correspond to one of
the plurality of communication modes so that a more expensive
service tier corresponds to a more secure communication mode.
[0054] In a further embodiment, a cellular communication network
comprises at least one base station; at least one mobile station;
at least one network server having customer record database; means
for receiving an incoming call from one of said at least one mobile
station registered on the cellular communication network; means for
determining a service security level associated with said one of
said at least one mobile station; means for selecting a
predetermined secure communication channel for use by said one of
said at least one of mobile station, the selection being determined
by said one of said at least one of mobile station's service level;
means for allocating the selected predetermined secure
communication channel for use by said one of said at least one of
mobile station; and means for communicating with said one of said
at least one of mobile station using the selected secure
communication channel.
[0055] In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, a
cellular communication network comprises at least one mobile
station; at least one base station having a microwave antenna for
receiving an incoming call by one of said at least one mobile
station registered on the cellular communication network; at least
one network server, said network server having customer record
database sufficient to determine a service level associated with
said one of said at least one mobile station; a lookup table for
selecting at least one of a vocoder and an encryption bit rate for
use by said one of said at least one of mobile station, the
selection being determined by said one of said at least one of
mobile station's service level; and a radio-frequency transmitter
operatively connected with the base station for communicating
between said one of said at least one of mobile station and the
cellular communication network using the selected vocoder or the
selected encryption bit rate.
[0056] A further embodiment is directed to a wireless mobile
station for communicating in a cellular communication network
having at least one base station and at least one network server,
the network server having customer record database. The wireless
mobile station comprises a transmitter for transmitting an outgoing
call by the mobile station registered on the cellular communication
network; means for querying the customer record database to
determine a service security level associated with said one of said
at least one mobile station; means for selecting at least one of a
vocoder and an encryption bit rate for use by said one of said at
least one of mobile station, the selection being determined by said
one of said at least one of mobile station's service level; and
means for communicating with the cellular communication network
using the selected vocoder or the selected encryption bit rate.
[0057] Another embodiment is directed to an improved method for
wireless transmission of telecommunication signals, comprising
providing a plurality of signal generation modes, each said mode
corresponding to at least one of a different bandwidth, a different
vocoder and a different encryption bit rate, where each said mode
yields a different signal encryption level; providing a pricing
structure for use of said method wherein the price for signal
transmission using each of said modes is related to the signal
encryption level thereof; and permitting selection of a signal
generation mode by users of said method.
[0058] In a further embodiment to a cellular telecommunication
system, an improvement comprises means for providing a plurality of
signal generation modes, each said mode corresponding to at least
one of a different bandwidth, a different vocoder and a different
encryption bit rate, where each said mode yields a different signal
encryption; means for providing a pricing structure for use of said
method wherein the price for signal transmission using each of said
modes is related to the signal encryption level thereof; and means
for permitting selection of a signal generation mode by users of
said method.
[0059] And in another embodiment, a method of providing
telecommunication service in a wireless communication network
comprises providing a plurality of service levels, each of the
plurality of service levels corresponding to a different security
level of communication between a wireless mobile station and a base
station of the wireless communication network, each of the
plurality of service levels also corresponding to a different
service fee in an overall pricing structure; providing an option to
a customer to select one of the plurality of security levels for
use with the wireless mobile station; storing the selected security
level in a customer record associated with the wireless mobile
station; and configuring the customer record to bill the customer a
predetermined price for the selected security level.
[0060] In one example, a signal security level used during
communication by the wireless mobile station corresponds to at
least one of the security levels determined by a contract between a
service provider and a subscriber security levels. And in a further
example, the wireless communications network reserves a
predetermined security level for at least some of the plurality of
security levels.
[0061] Unless expressly stated to the contrary, each of the
embodiments, examples and alternative modes of operation herein may
be used in combination with any other aspects of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0062] FIG. 1 illustrates conventional cellular system
architecture.
[0063] FIG. 2 illustrates a call quality flow diagram in accordance
with aspects of the present invention.
[0064] FIG. 3 illustrates an outgoing call process flow in
accordance with aspects of the present invention.
[0065] FIG. 4 illustrates a call flow scenario in accordance with
aspects of the present invention.
[0066] FIG. 5 illustrates another call flow scenario in accordance
with aspects of the present invention.
[0067] FIG. 6 illustrates a lookup table in accordance with aspects
of the present invention.
[0068] FIG. 7 illustrates an alternative call flow scenario in
accordance with aspects of the present invention.
[0069] FIG. 8 illustrates a further call flow scenario in
accordance with aspects of the present invention.
[0070] FIG. 9 provides a mobile station architecture in accordance
with aspects of the present invention.
[0071] FIG. 10 provides an alternative mobile station architecture
in accordance with aspects of the present invention.
[0072] FIG. 11 illustrates an alternative outgoing call flow
scenario in accordance with aspects of the present invention.
[0073] FIG. 12 illustrates an alternative incoming call flow
scenario in accordance with aspects of the present invention.
[0074] FIG. 13 illustrates another outgoing call flow scenario in
accordance with aspects of the present invention.
[0075] FIG. 14 illustrates an alternative incoming call flow
scenario in accordance with aspects of the present invention.
[0076] FIG. 15 illustrates a communication system in accordance
with aspects of the present invention.
[0077] FIG. 16 is a flow diagram illustrating a first upgrade
operation in accordance with aspects of the present invention.
[0078] FIG. 17 is a flow diagram illustrating a second upgrade
operation in accordance with aspects of the present invention.
[0079] FIG. 18 illustrates a station architecture in accordance
with aspects of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0080] The aspects, features and advantages of the present
invention will be appreciated when considered with reference to the
following description of exemplary embodiments and accompanying
figures.
[0081] In accordance with aspects of the invention, it is
recognized that wireless communication customers who either have
high priced phones or who spend a good deal of time on the phone,
such as business people and teenagers, may be willing to pay for an
improved quality level of service and/or security that
differentiate them from other subscribers. This is akin to the free
market approach in general where consumers are able to purchase
various levels of service commensurate with their willingness and
ability to pay for them.
[0082] For example, while many people fly coach class, some people
are willing to pay for business class or first class, which may be
significantly more expensive, if they desire and can afford a
higher level of service. Even some hospitals have separate floors
for "VIP" patients who receive special services for an additional
price.
[0083] In another example, in the existing cellular networks,
consumers/businesses are purchasing various service features for an
additional fee. Those features, by an example only, may include
coverage, Internet access, email, multimedia and GPS services.
[0084] In the cable and satellite television industries, consumers
are free to choose between less costly basic services and packages,
which offer more channels and/or better quality. For instance,
customers may choose HDTV digital service instead of basic digital
service. And people who wish to buy broadband Internet service can
often subscribe through their cable (or PSTN) service provider.
Here they may share the same bandwidth with other subscribers or
may pay for access to a higher bandwidth level. Broadband users may
also buy guaranteed bandwidth with various service levels using DSL
(e.g., Fractional T1, T1, T3 or other speeds).
[0085] Another free market situation exists where consumers are
given the option of using a private toll highway versus a public
non-toll road. Some cities and states provide drivers with the
option to use private toll highways with an expectation of less
congestion and a quicker trip for those who are willing to pay for
it. It can be seen that consumers who wish to purchase such
services have a choice as to what tier of service they are willing
to pay for.
[0086] In accordance with aspects of the present invention,
multi-tiered service offerings are provided for cellular
communication systems. In exemplary embodiments, a customer may
choose between different tiers of service quality or/and security
levels, which may offer different guaranteed levels of voice
quality and/or bandwidth and/or security as stipulated by a
contract between a service provider and a user.
[0087] By the way of example only, Table 1 illustrates a possible
differentiating of subscribers based on quality of services,
depicting classes of services and their characteristics. This table
illustrates a possible service offering when a service provider
offers three classes of service quality, i.e., Class I, Class II
and Class III, the highest being Class I. Subscribers can purchase
various "quality of the service" packages. For example, for a
subscriber of Class I, the provider selects 1:1 protection
facilities to support availability of the service not less than
99.95%, bandwidth for transmission with a vocoder rate not less
than 12 Kb/s, guaranteed latency not more than 130 ms and jitter
not more than 10 ms. The percentage of dropped calls should be
limited to not more than 3%. All these characteristics will be
referred to SLAs--Service Level Agreements--that may be clearly
stipulated in the service contract. In addition, as a part of the
package, a subscriber can also purchase a particular security level
for his/her device's operation on the network's facilities. For
example, Security Level I may include the highest level of security
with sophisticated encryption. Several intermediate security levels
may also be provides, as well as a service level that includes only
basic security measures.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Percent of Class of Availability Latency/
Dropped Service/ (%)/Facility Bandwidth Jitter Calls
Characteristics Protection Kb/s (ms) (Max) I 99.95% 1:1 12 and up
130/10 3 protection II 99.9% 1:N 7-8 180/20 5 protection III 98.5%
2-4 220/35 7-8 Protection is limited
[0088] FIG. 2 illustrates a flow diagram 100 in accordance with one
embodiment of the present invention. Here, as shown at step S100,
the user may purchase, rent or otherwise obtain/receive a mobile
device. At step S102, the user selects a predetermined tier of
service (which he/she agreed to pay for as per a service contract).
Each tier of service may directly correspond to at least one Class
of Service (as per specific SLAs), which a service provider offered
and a user purchased, each being differentiated by transmission
parameters as explained above. Each tier may also correspond to a
particular voice quality level and a bandwidth amount, as well as
correspond to a security level.
[0089] By way of example only, the voice quality level may be
associated with a particular bit rate for a codec or vocoder used
by the mobile device and the communicating network infrastructure
such as a base station or mobile switching center as well as
network facilities supporting such infrastructure. For instance,
the system may offer a number of bit rates ranging from, e.g., 4.75
Kb/s up to 12.2 Kb/s for a given vocoder. One or more intermediate
rates may be provided between the lowest and highest bit rates. The
lowest bit rate may correspond to the lowest quality or fidelity of
the coded voice signal, while the highest bit rate may correspond
to the highest quality or fidelity of the coded voice signal.
Multiple vocoders may be offered in a given mobile station (or it
may be one vocoder with programmable bit rate settings). Each
vocoder may support one or more bit rates, such as 4.5 kbps, 5.5
kbps, 6.5 kbps, 7.5 kbps, 8.5 kbps, 9.5 kbps, 10.5 kbps, 11.5 kbps,
12.5 kbps or any increments between these bit rates. Of course, it
should be understood that higher and/or lower bit rates may also be
supported.
[0090] By way of example only, the security level may be associated
with the particular settings of the subscriber's MS and/or BS
settings that correspond to the selected by a subscriber service
package. Security level implementations may employ different
techniques, starting with very simple (or no additional security),
and going further to sophisticated encryption (but limited by laws
applicable to public safety).
[0091] While quality or fidelity may be subjective to some degree,
a number of techniques have been developed to quantify the
evaluation process. For instance, British Telecom developed a call
clarity index ("CCI"). Another known technique is the mean opinion
score ("MOS"). Yet another technique, called perceptual evaluation
of speech quality ("PESQ"), has been promulgated by the ITU. See,
for instance, ITU-T Recommendation P.862. A more recent E-model is
ITU Standard G.1072 that quantifies what is essentially a
subjective judgment: a user's opinion of the perceived quality of a
voice transmission. Such techniques generally operate on a speech
quality scale ranging from 1 to 5, with 1 being bad, being poor, 3
being fair, 4 being good and 5 being excellent. Any such
quantifiable technique may be used in accordance with the
embodiments of the present invention.
[0092] In one example, the voice quality level may correspond to a
value or range of values on a speech quality scale. In one example,
the user may select a first voice quality level of between 4-5, a
second quality level of between 3-4, a third voice quality level of
between 2-3 and a fourth voice quality level of between 1-2. In an
exemplary pricing plan, the first voice quality level (e.g.,
between 4 and 5) is the most expensive to purchase, with the price
dropping for each lower voice quality level. Of course, it should
be understood that these voice quality levels are merely exemplary
and other gradations may be employed. For instance, a middle tier
voice quality level may be between 3.5 and 4.0, an upper tier voice
quality level may be between 4.0 and 4.5, and the highest tier
voice quality level may be between 4.5 and 5.0.
[0093] In another example, the security level may correspond to a
value of security offerings. The user can select a highest security
level, purchase a Service Plan that supports this security level,
and insure high resistance of his/her calls to eavesdropping and
other security breaches. In exemplary security offerings, many
business people may look to secure their mobile conversations,
which usually can be intercepted by unauthorized parties.
[0094] In the case where the tiers of service correspond to a
bandwidth amount, the user may be given the option of selecting
between any number of predetermined bandwidth amounts. The specific
bandwidths may be system dependent in view of the amount of
spectrum available at a given cell or base station. In one example,
the system may permit the user to use bandwidth that would
otherwise be allocated to one or more other users. Thus, as fewer
users may be accommodated, the higher bandwidth user may pay a
higher fee for access to the additional bandwidth.
[0095] Such aggregation of bandwidth may be advantageous to ensure
a higher bit rate for a given vocoder or for other applications. By
way of example only, the user may wish to send or receive real-time
video content. The bandwidth required may depend on the display
size of the mobile station. Bandwidth aggregation helps to ensure
that the user views the video at the desired video and audio
quality levels. For instance, a given application may require a
high definition video quality with 7.1 channel audio.
[0096] In yet another alternative, the tiers of service may
correspond to a dropped call rate. For instance, if a cellular
system typically averages a dropped call rate of X %, then the
tiers of service may guarantee the user different dropped call
rates. By way of example only, a basic (lowest) tier may guarantee
that a user will never observe a dropped call rate more than X % at
no additional charge, while a mid-level tier may guarantee a
maximum dropped call rate of X*0.9 (a 10% improvement in dropped
call rate). A high level tier may guarantee a dropped call rate not
more than X*0.75 (a 25% improvement in dropped call rate.) And a
"premier" tier may guarantee a dropped call rate not more than
X*0.5 (a 50% improvement over the typical dropped call rate). While
several tiers have been provided in this example, it should be
understood that different tiers and/or ranges of tiers may also be
provided. For instance, a series of three or more tiers may each
have a set percentage improvement between each tier (e.g., a 5%,
10%, 15%, 20% or 25% improvement). Furthermore, the dropped call
rate may be set once to cover all networks the mobile device may
operate on, or it may vary from network to network depending on the
specific architecture and other design factors of each network.
[0097] The user may buy service with a level of security that
corresponds to his/her specific job or other functions. By a way of
example only, a CEO may purchase a special high security level to
assure that his/her conversations are secured and avoid even a
possibility of economic espionage.
[0098] The service package may include different combinations of
Security Levels and Quality of Transmission Levels. As an example,
a subscriber may need the highest Security Level combined with a
middle-range Quality of Service Level. In yet in another example, a
subscriber may purchase only a particular bandwidth.
[0099] The user may purchase a given level of service quality and
security at the time he or she receives the cellular phone, for
instance at a kiosk in the mall, at the service provider's store,
etc. Alternatively, the service of any level may be purchased upon
activation of the phone, such as with over the air activation. When
the service provider sets up the customer's account record, the
record will reflect the appropriate level of service associated
with his or her mobile device, as shown at step S104 of FIG. 2.
[0100] In another example, after the phone is activated the user
may run an applet or other program on the phone, or otherwise send
a command from the phone to the network via a serving base station
in order to request a change in the user's quality of service
and/or security levels. The user may press an actuator or select an
option in a software menu to request the change. And as shown in
step S104, the customer's account record is updated to reflect the
new quality of service and/or security levels.
[0101] A further option available to the user is the ability to set
or change the service level via a web-based interface. For
instance, the user may access his or her account record through a
website of the appropriate service provider. This may be done
directly through the user's mobile station or using a separate
device such as a laptop or desktop computer. Once the account is
accessed, the user may have the option to view the existing service
quality level for one or more mobile devices associated with the
user's account.
[0102] The user is desirably able to change the service quality
level for one or more of the mobile devices through a graphical
user interface. Once a change has been made, the customer's account
record is updated to reflect the new service level at step S104.
Changes may be done globally for all of the user's devices at the
same time or may be done separately for one or more of the user's
devices. Thus, the user may set the voice quality rate of his or
her cell phone to a first tier and set the voice quality rate
and/or video quality rate of his or her PDA or "smartphone" to a
second tier.
[0103] For selection of a security level, it is desirable to set-up
a security level during the phone or other devices activation. Such
information can be stored in the customer records as shown in FIG.
2. A subscriber may pay a premium for such selection, but it may
attract a wide category of business people. As an example, security
options may not be offered to a wide audience due to possible
criminal use. It may be a choice for various large and small
business institutions as well as for government organizations.
[0104] In yet another alternative, the quality service level in the
customer's record may be set in accordance with the model of mobile
device used by the customer. Here, if the user purchases or owns an
expensive or high end mobile station such as the Vertu
Constellation, the quality service level may be placed at a given
level, such as the highest service level. This may be done by
comparing the make and/or model of the mobile station to a lookup
table or other index to determine which service level should be
employed.
[0105] As shown in step S106 FIG. 2, upon setting or updating the
change in the quality of service level, the customer's billing
record is set or updating to reflect the fee charged for the
current level of service. The billing record may be part of the
customer's general records or may be a separate record stored in a
dedicated billing database or other database. Here, the process may
terminate at step S108 or may return to step S104 for
modification.
[0106] Once the user's cellular phone or other mobile station is
configured to operate on the service provider's network, he or she
can make and receive calls or otherwise transmit/receive data. In
accordance with an aspect of the present invention, FIG. 3 presents
a flow diagram 120 illustrating an embodiment of how tiered
servicing may be implemented when making outgoing calls. First, at
step S120, an outgoing call is initiated on the user's mobile
station. Step S122 shows that different modes are possible, such as
a local mode and a network mode. The two modes will be addressed in
detail below.
[0107] Turning first to the network mode case, the process
continues at step S124. Here, after call initiation, a check is
made of the customer's records to identify the current quality
and/or security service levels. Then at step S126 the appropriate
vocoder and/or bit rate are selected based upon the current quality
and security service levels. Once the selection is made, the
process may continue at step S128 where the user may conduct his or
her call in accordance with the selection(s). Then the process may
terminate at step S130.
[0108] In order to better describe one method of operation
involving this network mode, reference is now made to FIG. 4. This
figure presents a functional diagram 200 showing the user's mobile
station 202, the serving base station 204, a mobile switching
center 206 and the customer record database 208 used by a service
provider. Other network elements are omitted for clarity.
[0109] In an example, the user's mobile station initiates a call by
sending one or more signaling strings to the base station as shown
by arrow 210. This signal flow may include a user device identifier
therein. In this case, the user device identifier may be contained
in a header or another particular place of such a string.
[0110] The base station may pass the user device identifier to the
mobile switching center or other internetworking infrastructure as
shown by arrow 212. The mobile switching center may then access a
customer record database as shown by arrow 214. At this point the
system is able to identify an appropriate quality/security service
levels for the user's mobile device in accordance with the user's
customer record, which corresponds to a subscriber's contract (SLA)
with a service provider.
[0111] Then the customer record database passes information
concerning the quality/security service levels back to the mobile
switching center as shown by arrow 216. By way of example only, the
information may be a value representing the quality/security
service levels. In turn, the mobile switching center may then pass
the service levels information back to the base station as
indicated by arrow 218. The base station can thus select an
appropriate vocoder for use (if more than one is available) and/or
set a bit rate for the base station's vocoder. The vocoders of the
base stations and the mobile stations may include an encryption
device therein. Alternatively, the encryption devices may be
distinct from the vocoders. See FIG. 18, which is discussed further
below.
[0112] Finally, as shown by arrow 220, the base station may then
send the mobile device its own identifier, which tells the mobile
device which vocoder to use (if more than one is available) and/or
which bit rate to set for the mobile station's vocoder. The base
station may also send the mobile device information telling it
which security level to select, with zero security level
corresponding to basic service. In accordance with another aspect
of the invention, the base station vocoder and the mobile station
vocoder may be set to the same or different bit rates in view of
the service level information.
[0113] In another example, when the user originates a call, data
packets are sent from the mobile station to the base station as
shown by the arrow 210. However, in this example no user device
identifier is sent by the mobile station. Upon receipt of the data
packets identifying a call origination, the base station
communicates with the mobile switching center or other
internetworking infrastructure as shown by the arrow 212. In turn,
the mobile switching center may then access a customer record
database as shown by the arrow 214.
[0114] Then as above, the customer record database looks up the
user's record in the database and passes information concerning the
quality/security service levels back to the mobile switching center
as shown by the arrow 216. In turn, the mobile switching center may
then pass this information back to the base station as indicated by
the arrow 218. The base station can thus select an appropriate
vocoder for use (if more than one is available) and/or set a bit
rate for the base station's vocoder. Here, the corresponding
security level may also be selected. Finally, as shown by the arrow
220, the base station may send the mobile device its own
identifier, which tells the mobile device which vocoder to use (if
more than one is available), which bit rate to set for the mobile
station's vocoder, and/or which security level to select.
[0115] Thus, in these two network examples for mobile station call
origination, it can be seen that the mobile station itself may send
a user device identifier, which is passed to the customer record
database or the infrastructure itself may check the database once
the call is initiated.
[0116] Returning to step S122 of FIG. 3, when in local mode the
process proceeds to step S132. Here, when the customer makes an
outgoing call, the mobile station may send a user device identifier
in one or more data packets to the serving base station. The user
device identifier may include a quality level, security and/or
bandwidth indicator. This may be done by placing the indicator in a
packet header or in some other predefined data field in a given
data packet.
[0117] Upon receipt of the indicator, the base station may validate
the identifier as shown in step S134, for instance by comparing the
identifier against a stored identifier in a database. The
validation may be done locally at the base station or remotely by a
mobile switching center, interworking function, customer record
database or other network entity.
[0118] As shown in step S136, the base station may be operable to
select the vocoder and/or set the bit rate to a quality level as
indicated by the received identifier. It may also be operable to
select the security level as indicated by the received identifier.
This may be confirmed by sending a return indicator back to the
mobile station as shown at step S138. Upon receipt of confirmation,
the mobile station may then select the vocoder and/or set the bit
rate to comply with the settings at the base station. As noted
above, the base station vocoder and the mobile station vocoder may
be set to different bit rates. The process proceeds to step S140,
where the user can then conduct his/her call. The process may
terminate at step S142.
[0119] In order to better describe one method of operation
involving the local mode, reference is now made to FIG. 5. This
figure presents a functional diagram 240 showing the user's mobile
station 202, the serving base station 204, mobile switching center
206 and the customer record database 208. As with FIG. 4, other
network elements are omitted for clarity.
[0120] In an example, the user's mobile station initiates a call by
sending one or more data packets to the base station as shown by
arrow 242. At least one of the data packets may include a user
device identifier therein, e.g., in a header of the data packet.
This identifier contains information on the Class of Service, which
this particular subscriber purchased from the service provider. The
base station may validate the identifier locally or may pass a
validation request to the mobile switching center as shown by
dashed arrow 244. If passed, the mobile switching center may
process the validation request locally or may pass the request to
other network resources such as the customer record database as
shown by dashed arrow 246. A validation answer may be passed back
from the database as shown by dashed arrow 248, and the validation
answer may be passed from the mobile switching center to the base
station as shown by dashed arrow 250.
[0121] Regardless of whether validation is performed locally by the
base station or remotely, if the identifier is validated then the
base station desirably selects an appropriate vocoder for use (if
more than one is available) and/or set a bit rate for the base
station's vocoder. The base station may also set up network
characteristics as per selected Class of Service. Finally, as shown
by the arrow 252, the base station may send the mobile station its
own identifier, which tells the mobile device which vocoder to use
(if more than one is available) and/or which bit rate to set for
the mobile station's vocoder.
[0122] For any of the above examples, the indicator from the mobile
station may include a request to use a particular vocoder, bit rate
and/or bandwidth, as well to support transmission characteristics
appropriate to the SLA purchased by this subscriber. In this case,
the base station or other network element may determine the
specific vocoder, bit rate and/or bandwidth in view of the
indicator and the level of service purchased by the customer. The
indicator may, by way of example only, specify different vocoders,
bit rates and/or bandwidths, which the mobile station may
support.
[0123] In another example, the indicator from the mobile station
may specify a particular vocoder, bit rate and/or bandwidth that
the base station is to use, as well as the transmission
characteristics as per purchased SLA(s). Here, if the indicator is
validated, then the specified vocoder, bit rate and/or bandwidth
are used for wireless communication with the mobile station. Thus,
a more expensive mobile station may instruct a serving base station
to select the best available vocoder and/or bit rate to ensure the
best sound quality of communication.
[0124] In yet another alternative, the indicator identifies the
make and/or model of the mobile station. In this case, the base
station or other network device may have a lookup table of
supported mobile stations. An example of such a lookup table is
provided in FIG. 6. Here six different mobile station models from
various manufacturers are identified. For ease of understanding,
only three tiers of service are provided, specifically a lowest
tier, a middle tier and a highest tier. It should be understood
that any number of service tiers may be provided. As shown in the
figure, three of the models are assigned to the middle tier, one of
the models is assigned to the lowest tier, and two of the models
are assigned to the highest tier.
[0125] By way of example only, if a user initiates a call using a
model associated with the lowest tier, the mobile station may be
assigned to the lowest bit rate provided by the vocoder, e.g., on
the order of 4.75 kbps, such as between about 4.5 kbps and 5.0
kbps. Mobile station models associated with the middle tier may be
assigned a vocoder bit rate on the order of 7.75 kbps, such as
between about 7.5 kbps and 8.0 kbps. And mobile station models
associated with the highest tier may be assigned a vocoder rate on
the order of 12.2 kbps, such as between about 11.9 kbps and 12.5
kbps. This creates significant benefits for service providers that
can put more subscribers on the same bandwidth, or serve fewer
subscribers, but with higher level of service.
[0126] In another example, the indicator from the mobile station
may specify a particular security level that the base station is to
use. Here, if the indicator is validated, then the specified
security level is used for air communication with the mobile
station. Thus, a mobile station may instruct a serving base station
to select the security level, which this subscriber is entitled to
have in accordance with the selected fee structure. The security
level can be validated together with the quality of service layer,
or may be validated separately from it. In any case, the structure
of signal flow and functional elements may be the same as discussed
above.
[0127] As discussed above, mobile stations will switch to different
serving base stations depending upon the locations of the mobile
stations relatively to BSs and other factors. Thus, in accordance
with one aspect of the present invention, upon switching to a new
serving base station, any of the initiation processes explained
herein may be employed. Alternatively, during handoff the system
may identify to the new serving base station, which tier of service
the new serving base station is to accommodate the mobile station.
This may be done via base station to base station communication, or
upon direction from the mobile switching center or other network
device as it communicates with the new serving base station. Such
operation is desirable as it appears seamless to the mobile
station.
[0128] The above examples focused on calls initiated by the user's
device. Another situation occurs when the user's device receives an
incoming call or communication, which may come from another mobile
station, a POTS telephone, a computer or the like. As shown in the
scenario 300 of FIG. 7, an incoming call may be received from a
landline phone or other communication device 302 and may pass
through the PSTN or other network 304 to mobile switching center
306, as shown by arrows 308 and 310, respectively.
[0129] Upon receipt of an incoming call for a given mobile station,
e.g., mobile station 312, the mobile switching center 306 or other
wireless network entity may access customer record database 314 as
shown by arrow 316. At the customer record database the mobile
station's quality/security service levels are identified and a
result is passed to the mobile switching center as shown by arrow
318. Next, the mobile switching center passes the incoming call
along with the quality/security service levels for the call to base
station 320 as shown by arrow 322.
[0130] The base station may set its vocoder and/or bit rate as well
as identify a transmission path corresponding to the purchased
service quality and security levels. The base station may then send
one or more data packets to the mobile station as shown by arrow
324. At least one of these data packets includes a quality/security
service levels identifier that the mobile station uses to set its
vocoder and/or bit rate and security functions, e.g., as packet
header information. Then communication between the mobile station
and the landline or other device may take place as shown by arrows
326, 328, 330 and 332. The over the air communication between the
mobile station and the base station occur using the set vocoder
and/or bit rate in accordance with the mobile station's
service/security levels.
[0131] In an alternative, the incoming call is routed from the
landline telephone or other device to the mobile station, and once
the mobile station receives an indication that a call has been
initiated it sends a quality/security service levels request or
identifier to the base station, for instance via a header, flag or
other indicator in a data packet. As in the example of FIG. 4, the
system may then validate the quality/security service level(s)
identifier by evaluating the customer record database or by
examining a lookup table as discussed in regard to FIG. 6.
[0132] In yet another embodiment, an incoming call may be received
from another mobile station. An example of this situation is shown
in the scenario 340 of FIG. 8, where an incoming call is received
from mobile station 342 and pass through base station 344 (the
serving base station of mobile station 342) to mobile switching
center 346, as shown by arrows 348 and 370, respectively.
[0133] Upon receipt of an incoming call for the user's mobile
station, e.g., mobile station 352, the mobile switching center 346
or other wireless network entity may access customer record
database 354 as shown by arrow 356. At the customer record database
the user's mobile station's quality/security service levels are
identified and a result is passed to the mobile switching center as
shown by arrow 358. Next, the mobile switching center passes the
incoming call along with the quality/security service levels for
the call to serving base station 360 of the mobile station 352 as
shown by arrow 362.
[0134] The base station 360 may set its vocoder, bit rate and/or
security level in accordance with the identified quality/security
service levels. The base station 360 may then send one or more data
packets to the mobile station 352 as shown by arrow 364. At least
one of these data packets includes a quality/security service
levels identifier that the mobile station 352 uses to set its
vocoder and/or bit rate, e.g., as packet header information. Then,
communication between the mobile station 352, shown as MS1 in FIG.
8, and the mobile station 342, shown as MS2 in FIG. 8, may take
place as shown by arrows 366, 368, 370 and 372. The over the air
communication between the mobile station 352 and the base station
360 occurs using the set vocoder, bit rate and/or security
level(s), and selecting transmission facilities as per SLAs in
accordance with that mobile station's service level.
[0135] In an alternative, the incoming call is routed from the
mobile station 342 to the mobile station 352, and once the mobile
station 352 receives an indication that a call has been initiated
it sends a quality/security service levels request or identifier to
the base station 360, for instance via a header, flag or other
indicator in a data packet. As in the example of FIG. 4, the system
may then validate the quality/security service levels identifier by
evaluating the customer record database or by examining a lookup
table as discussed in regard to FIG. 6.
[0136] In another example, it should be understood that both mobile
stations, e.g., MS1 and MS2 in FIG. 8, may have quality/security
service levels set in accordance with FIG. 2 above. These service
levels may be the same or may differ. Should the service levels
differ, several options are available. In accordance with an
embodiment of the invention, when the receiving mobile station has
a higher quality/security service levels (e.g., a higher bit rate
for its vocoder), then the receiving mobile station issues an
instruction to the originating mobile station to have the
originating mobile station switch to a matching quality/security
service levels (if this is possible). This may be done at the
expense of the originating mobile station, or the service provider
may bear the expense.
[0137] In the situation where the originating mobile station has
the higher quality/security service levels, it may instruct the
receiving mobile station (e.g., via a data packet header, flag or
other identifier) to operate at the higher quality/security service
levels (if this is possible). And as above, this may be done at the
expense of the originating mobile station or the service provider
may bear the expense.
[0138] In such a situation where the two mobile stations are
arranged to operate at the same voice quality or service level, as
well as at the same security level, it may be desirable that the
serving base stations are set to equivalent or corresponding voice
quality or service levels as well as the security level. For
instance, the serving base stations may each be set to the same
vocoder bit rate. And it should be understood that a single base
station may act as the serving base station for both of the mobile
stations. Furthermore, more than two mobile stations may all be
communicating simultaneously as part of a three-way or conference
call. In this situation, the mobile station with the highest
service level may dictate the service level of one or more of the
other communicating mobile stations.
[0139] And in another alternative, MS2 sends a request to MS1
(through base stations BS1 and BS2 and with the help of MSC) to
communicate. As an exemple only, the mobile stations may be
registered with different quality/security service levels. For
example, the MS2 user may have bought only a basic level of service
and the MS1 user may have bought the highest level of
quality/security service. BS1 and BS2 recognize such a fact. The
called party associated with BS1 and the calling party associated
with BS2 may have the ability to set-up a communications channel
between two entities, MS1 and MS2 (see FIG. 8). As soon as the BS
closest to the MS1 base station (BS1 in FIG. 8) recognizes that the
two parties have different bit coding rates, it-terminates the
line, and makes real-time recording of all data coming from MS2 and
re-decoding analog streams in a way acceptable to MS1, i.e., with
the vocoder settings of MS1. At the other side of the link, BS2
(which is the closest BS to MS2 at this particular time) terminates
traffic flow from MS1, and re-decodes the person's voice as per MS2
settings. In this way, both mobile stations communicate with each
other without violations of service agreements with a provider
(except at the span between a MS and the closest BS).
[0140] In a further alternative, a service provider(s) creates
"closed" groups of subscribers. Here, each group is differentiated
by quality/security service level agreements. For example, the
premium services customers want to receive and transmit information
as per their contract with a service provider with arranged SLAs.
This contract may require that service provider needs to select the
best facilities (for example, fiber optics channels with dual rings
architecture to guarantee high-quality transmission and reception).
Identifications of subscribers' service and security levels for
each closed group may be performed as described above. If a
subscriber from the "closed" group with a lower service grade wants
to communicate with a subscriber from a higher level of service
group, then he/she may pay a premium for the duration of the call.
If a subscriber belongs to a closed group with a higher level of
service, and he/she wants to talk with a subscriber, which belongs
to a closed group with a lower service grade, then the premium may
be paid again by the lower service grade subscriber (similar to the
current rules in the U.S. when a subscriber pays for both incoming
and outgoing calls).
[0141] FIG. 9 illustrates a mobile station 400 for use in
accordance with aspects of the present invention. As shown, the
mobile station 400 may include a baseband subsystem 402 and an RF
or wireless subsystem 404. Both the baseband and RF subsystems may
be controlled by a processor such as CPU 406. As used herein, the
term RF encompasses, but is not limited to the signals in the
frequency range from 300 MHz up to 3 GHz. This range is often
referred to as the ultra high frequency band ("UHF"). By way of
example only, RF may encompass signals of lower frequency ranges
such as a very high frequency ("VHF") from 30 MHz to 300 MHz or
even lower, such as in the high frequency ("HF") band. RF may also
encompass signals of higher frequency ranges such as super high
frequency ("SHF") from about 3 GHz up to 30 GHz or beyond, such as
extremely high frequency ("EHF") in the range of 30 GHz to 300 GHz
or higher.
[0142] The RF subsystem preferably includes a receiver and a
transmitter ("transceiver") coupled to an antenna (not shown).
Details on RF subsystem architectures may be found in "Transceiver
System Design for Digital Communications," by Scott R. Bullock,
copyright 1995 by Noble Publishing, the entire disclosure of which
are hereby expressly incorporated by reference herein.
[0143] By way of example only, the baseband subsystem may include a
digital signal processor ("DSP") 408, one or more vocoders 410, A/D
(Analog/Digital) converters 412, a user interface 414, application
software 416 and peripherals 418. The DSP may perform various
signal processing tasks, and the vocoder(s) may be separate from or
part of the DSP. In one example, the DSP is part of the processor
406 and/or may perform operations of the processor 406. Multiple
vocoders may be desirable, especially in the situation where the
mobile station is configured to operate on different carriers'
networks such as a WCDMA network and a GSM network. Each vocoder
may support multiple bit rates. The user interface may include a
text interface, a GUI, actuators such as switches, buttons and the
like. The application software may be configured to run/control
various programs on the mobile station, such as a calendar program,
a contacts program, games, an Internet browser, etc. Different
peripherals may also be employed, such as an external audio output,
microphone input, a charging connector and connectors for other
electronic devices, such as a USB connector.
[0144] In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, before
or during a call the user may press an actuator or "soft button" of
the user interface to cause the mobile station to instruct the base
station/network to use a particular compression level (e.g., a
specific bit rate) and/or to use a particular vocoder or bandwidth.
This may be done in conjunction with application software to set
the call quality. Then, as above, the quality information is used
to set the bit rate, vocoder and/or bandwidth during communication
with a recipient.
[0145] If the recipient is another mobile station, the caller may
use the actuator or the soft button to instruct the receiving
mobile station and/or the network to switch the receiving mobile
station to the same quality service level and security level as the
calling mobile station. This will help to ensure that both parties
are sending and receiving at the same quality/security levels.
[0146] In accordance with yet another aspect of the present
invention, if for some reason the network fails to utilize the
specified vocoder, bit rate, bandwidth, other transmission
parameters that identify Class of Service and/or the security level
for the duration of a call or transmission, the user who is
supposed to receive the specified quality/security levels may be
financially compensated for such a failure. For instance, the
customer's billing record may be credited a full or partial amount
of what the call or transmission would have been charged to the
customer. Furthermore, metrics may be provided to customers showing
the quality/security levels for incoming and outgoing calls. Such
metrics may be appended to the user's billing records, available
through a web-based GUI or the like.
[0147] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention,
FIG. 10 illustrates a variation of the mobile station 400, namely
mobile station 400'. As shown, the mobile station 400' includes a
baseband subsystem 402' as well as the RF or wireless subsystem
404. Both the baseband and RF subsystems may be controlled by a
processor such as CPU 406.
[0148] Many of the components of the mobile station 400' are the
same as those in the mobile station 400 and operate as described
above. As shown in FIG. 10, the mobile station 400' includes one or
more quality/security service levels indicators 420, which may be
hard programmed into the mobile station 400'. In one example, this
may be done by programming the quality/security service levels
indicators 420 into firmware of the baseband subsystem 402' when
the phone is purchased by a customer. In another example, the
programming may be accomplished by recording the quality/security
service levels indicators 420' in a nonvolatile memory such as a
ROM during manufacture of the mobile station 400'. In a further
example, the quality/security service levels indicator(s) are hard
programmed onto a subscriber identity module ("SIM") card, which
can be received through one of the peripherals 418.
[0149] Regardless of how the quality/security service levels
indicator(s) 420 is/are hard programmed into the mobile station
400', a given quality/security service level(s) indicator(s) may be
utilized as follows. As shown in the flow diagram 500 of FIG. 11,
in the case where a user of the mobile station 400' initiates an
outgoing call, the user interface 414 may receive a command from
the user to begin a call as shown in step S500. Next, as shown at
step S502, the user interface 414 may alert the CPU 406 that a call
has been initiated. Then as shown in step S504, the CPU 406 may
read the appropriate quality/security service levels indicator 420
from memory, e.g., from non-volatile or permanent memory. The
quality/security service levels indicator 420 may be selected
depending upon the particular network on which the mobile station
400' is currently operating.
[0150] As shown in step S506 only as an example, the CPU 406 may
select a specific vocoder 410 to use if more than one vocoder is
available. And as shown in step S508, the CPU 406 may set the
vocoder to a predetermined bit rate or quality level based upon the
service level indicator 420 employed. Next, as shown in step S510,
the mobile station 400' may communicate with the current service
base station and instruct the base station as to what vocoder
and/or bit rate the mobile station will employ during the call. The
process may conclude at step S512.
[0151] A similar process may occur when the mobile station receives
an incoming call. In one example shown in the flow diagram 520 of
FIG. 12, in the case where a user of the mobile station 400'
receives an incoming call, the RF/wireless subsystem 404 may
receive notification of an incoming call from a serving base
station as shown in step S520. As shown at step S522, the CPU 406
may be alerted that a call has been initiated. Then as shown in
step S524, the CPU 406 may read the appropriate quality/security
service level indicator 420 from memory, e.g., from non-volatile or
permanent memory. The quality/security service levels indicator 420
may be selected depending upon the particular network on which the
mobile station 400' is currently operating.
[0152] As shown in step S526 only as an example, the CPU 406 may
select a specific vocoder 410 to use if more than one vocoder is
available. And as shown in step S528, the CPU 406 may set the
vocoder to a predetermined bit rate or quality level based upon the
service level indicator 420 employed. As shown in step S530, the
mobile station 400' may communicate with the current service base
station and instruct the base station as to what vocoder and/or bit
rate the mobile station will employ during the call. The process
may conclude at step S532.
[0153] Alternative procedures may be employed when initiating or
receiving calls with the mobile station 400'. For instance, as
shown in the flow diagram 540 of FIG. 13, in the case where a user
of the mobile station 400' initiates an outgoing call, the user
interface 414 may receive a command from the user to begin a call
as shown in step S540. Next, as shown at step S542, the user
interface 414 may alert the CPU 406 that a call has been initiated.
Then as shown in step S544, the CPU 406 may read the appropriate
quality/security service levels indicator 420 from memory, e.g.,
from non-volatile or permanent memory. The quality/security service
level indicator 420 may be selected depending upon the particular
network on which the mobile station 400' is currently
operating.
[0154] Then, as shown in step S546, the quality/security service
levels indicator may be used to send a command or request to the
base station or other network element to select an appropriate
levels of service. The base station or other network element (e.g.,
MSC) may then select an appropriate quality/security service level
in view of the quality/security service level indicator information
received from the mobile station 400', as shown at step S548. Then
as shown at step S550, the mobile station 400' receives a service
level message from the base station.
[0155] Based upon the received quality/security service levels
message, the baseband subsystem 402' (e.g., CPU 406) may select a
specific vocoder 410 to use if more than one vocoder is available,
as shown at step S552. And as shown in step S554, the CPU 406 may
set the vocoder to a predetermined bit rate or quality level based
upon the service level indicator 420 employed. The process may
conclude at step S556.
[0156] A similar process may occur when the mobile station receives
an incoming call. In one example shown in the flow diagram 560 of
FIG. 14, in the case where a user of the mobile station 400'
receives an incoming call at step 561, the RF/wireless subsystem
404 may receive notification of an incoming call from a serving
base station as shown in step S560. As shown at step S562, the CPU
406 may be alerted that a call has been initiated. Then as shown in
step S564, the CPU 406 may read the appropriate quality/security
service levels indicator 420 from memory, e.g., from non-volatile
or permanent memory. The quality/security service levels indicator
420 may be selected depending upon the particular network on which
the mobile station 400' is currently operating.
[0157] Then, as shown in step S566, the quality/security service
level indicator(s) may be used to send a command or request to the
base station or other network element to select an appropriate
quality/security levels of service. The base station or other
network element (e.g., MSC) may then select an appropriate
quality/security service levels in view of the quality/security
service level indicator information received from the mobile
station 400', as shown at step S568. Then as shown at step S570,
the mobile station 400' receives a quality/security service levels
message from the base station.
[0158] Based upon the received quality/security service levels
message, the baseband subsystem 402' (e.g., CPU 406) may select a
specific vocoder 410 to use if more than one vocoder is available,
as shown at step S572. And as shown in step S574, the CPU 406 may
set the vocoder to a predetermined bit rate or quality level based
upon the service level indicator 420 employed. The process may
conclude at step S576.
[0159] It should also be understood as described elsewhere herein,
that in the case when the incoming call is from another mobile
device or any user device in which the bit rate or vocoder may be
set, the caller's device may have it's bit rate/vocoder set
commensurate with that of the user device 400'. This may be done,
for example, to ensure consistent voice quality between the parties
on the call.
[0160] As discussed above, the user may set or change the
quality/security service level(s) for one or more devices using a
web-based interface. FIG. 15 provides an exemplary system 600 in
which a user may view and/or modify quality/security service levels
over a network.
[0161] For example, the system 600 may include a server 610
containing a processor 620, memory 630 and other components
typically present in a computer. The server may be associated with
a particular wireless communication network, in which case it may
be in operative communication with or operatively coupled to the
MTSO or MSC. The memory 630 stores information accessible by
processor 620, including instructions 640 that may be executed by
the processor 620 and data 635 that may be retrieved, manipulated
or stored by the processor. The memory 630 may be of any type
capable of storing information accessible by the processor, such as
a hard-drive, ROM, RAM, CD-ROM, write-capable or read-only
memories.
[0162] The processor 620 may comprise any number of well known
processors, such as processors from Intel Corporation.
Alternatively, the processor may be a dedicated controller for
executing operations, such as an ASIC. The instructions 640 may
comprise any set of instructions to be executed directly (such as
machine code) or indirectly (such as scripts) by the processor. In
that regard, the terms "instructions," "steps" and "programs" may
be used interchangeably herein. The instructions may be stored in
any computer language or format, such as in object code or modules
of source code. The quality service level information may be a
short code that indicates which quality class of service is
purchased by a subscriber. The security level may be coded together
with signal quality information, or may be a separate code. The
functions, methods and routines of instructions in accordance with
the present invention are explained in more detail below.
[0163] Data 635 may be retrieved, stored or modified by processor
620 in accordance with the instructions 640. The data may be stored
as a collection of data. For instance, although the invention is
not limited by any particular data structure, the data may be
stored in computer registers, in a relational database as a table
having a plurality of different fields and records, XML documents,
or flat files. The data may also be formatted in any computer
readable format Moreover, the data may include any information
sufficient to identify the relevant information, such as
descriptive text, proprietary codes, pointers, references to data
stored in other memories (including other network locations) or
information which is used by a function to calculate the relevant
data.
[0164] Although the processor 620 and memory 630 are functionally
illustrated in FIG. 15 as being within the same block, it should be
understood that the processor 620 and memory 630 may comprise
multiple processors and memories that may or may not be stored
within the same physical housing or location. For example, some or
all of the instructions and data may be stored on a removable
CD-ROM and others within a read-only computer chip. Some or all of
the instructions and data may be stored in a location physically
remote from, yet still accessible by, the processor. Similarly, the
processor may actually comprise a collection of processors, which
may or may not operate in parallel.
[0165] In one aspect of the present invention, server 610
communicates with one or more client computers 650 and 652. Each
client computer may be configured similarly to the server 610, with
a processor 654, memory and instructions, as well as a user input
device 670 and a user output device, such as display 660. Each
client computer may be a general purpose computer, intended for use
by a person and having all the internal components normally found
in a personal computer such as the processor 654 (e.g., a CPU),
display 660, CD-ROM, hard-drive, mouse, keyboard, touch-sensitive
screen, speakers, microphone, modem and/or router (telephone, cable
or otherwise) and all of the components used for connecting these
elements to one another.
[0166] The server 610 and client computers 650 are capable of
direct and indirect communication with other computers, such as
over a network 680. Although only a few computers are depicted in
FIG. 15, it should be appreciated that a typical system can include
a large number of connected servers and clients, with each
different computer being at a different node of the network. The
network 680, and intervening nodes, may comprise various
configurations and utilize various protocols and communications
channels including the Internet, intranets, virtual private
networks, wide area networks, local networks, private networks
using communication protocols proprietary to one or more companies,
Ethernet, WiFi and HTTP.
[0167] Communication may be facilitated by any device capable of
transmitting data to and from other computers, such as modems
(e.g., dial-up or cable), network interfaces and wireless
interfaces. Server 610 may be a web server. Although certain
advantages are obtained when information is transmitted or received
as noted above, other aspects of the invention are not limited to
any particular manner of transmission of information. For example,
in some aspects, the information may be sent via a medium such as a
disk, tape, CD-ROM, or directly between two computer systems via a
dial-up modem. In other aspects, the information may be transmitted
in a non-electronic format and manually entered into the
system.
[0168] In the case where the user of one of the client computers is
a customer accessing his/her account records, the system 600 may be
an Internet or web-based system. The user may set or change the
quality/security service level(s) of one or more devices using
system 600. For instance, the server 610 may provide a GUI to the
user with an option to select from among a plurality of
quality/security service levels for a given user device. Once a
selection has been made, the user's customer record may be updated
to reflect the selection. A customer record database may be part of
memory 635, and may be accessible, either directly or indirectly,
from the network's base stations, MSC or other network
infrastructure. Here, the user may access the GUI using his/her own
computer or through a computer provided by the service provider,
such as at a kiosk or at one of the service provider's stores.
[0169] In another example, the user may be a reseller or aggregator
who may pre-set service levels into various mobile stations using
either a client computer or the server 610 directly. Here, by way
of example only, the customer record database may be stored locally
with the server 610 with access provided to the network provider(s)
or the customer record database may be maintained by a network
provider with access provided to the reseller or aggregator.
[0170] In yet another example, the user may be a mobile station
manufacturer who may pre-set service levels into various mobile
stations using either a client computer or the server 610 directly.
This may be done, as discussed above, by hard wiring the service
level(s) into the mobile station during production.
[0171] In an adaptive level service, the user may start, as
predetermined by means of programming, with the lowest service
level. The transcoder may have a threshold device, which analyzes
one or several parameters of the received signal. The thresholds
may be correlated with quality/security service levels. As soon as
the transceiver extracts information that shows the received signal
degradation, the threshold device asks the MS to switch to the next
higher service layer. This process may continue until the
communications channel is within satisfactory conditions (or until
the subscriber has exhausted all possible quality/security levels
he/she was entitled.)
[0172] In accordance with further aspects of the present invention,
another embodiment addresses a situation where a customer who has
purchased a premium tier of assured quality communicates with
another person who may or may not subscribe to the premium tier. In
the case where both users have the same premium service, a voice
call may be carried out between them by setting the system as
described above. For instance, the incoming/outgoing call is set at
the premium tier of service for the receiving party/calling party
using any of the processes herein.
[0173] In a situation where the other person does not subscribe to
a premium tier, one option is to conduct a call with the first
party operating with the premium tier while the other party
operates at a lower tier of service. However, in many situations
this may be undesirable, as the call quality received by the
premium tier customer will be substandard.
[0174] Thus, in one alternative, when a call is made to/from a
premium tier mobile station and the other party's mobile station
has a lower tier of service, the other party may receive an upgrade
in service for the duration of the call to match the premium tier
of the other mobile station. This may be done automatically or
manually.
[0175] For instance, in an automatic mode of operation a network
device, such as a serving base station of the non-premium tier
mobile station, may receive an indication that the other mobile
station is a premium tier device. Here, the serving base station of
the non-premium tier mobile station may automatically choose a
higher quality vocoder, greater bandwidth, etc. for the non-premium
tier mobile station in order to ensure end to end high quality
communication between the two mobile stations. Thus, even though
the non-premium tier mobile station would not normally operate in a
premium tier mode, it may be "forced" or "upgraded" into such a
tier as long as it is capable of supporting that mode of operation
(e.g., supports the premium tier vocoder).
[0176] In one alternative, this type of upgrading may be available
under a "premium plus" type of plan, wherein the subscriber to the
premium tier may be given the additional option of upgrading
calling/called parties. This may be done for an additional charge,
which may be billed via the subscriber's customer record. The
premium plus service may have a flat rate charge, such as a monthly
fee charged whether or not any upgrades are made. Alternatively,
the subscriber may be charged on a "pay as you go" program where he
or she is billed the premium plus fee only when the other party is
actually upgraded.
[0177] In another alternative, the subscribers who are not matched
by quality of service may communicate according to their service
subscription until the signal reaches the closest BS to a
subscriber BS. Such a BS then terminates data streams and
re-records and transmits them at an appropriate bandwidth and a bit
rate for the corresponded subscriber.
[0178] In still another alternative, subscribers may be united by
purchased grade classes of services (quality or/and security). In
this way, they organize the closed groups of subscribers, and can
talk to each other, as was described above, inside of the group. If
a subscriber from a "lower" group wants to talk to a subscriber
from a "higher" level group, then, as per a contract, he/she needs
to pay a premium for the duration of such a call. The same
situation is valid when a subscriber from a "lower" group receives
a call from a subscriber that belongs to a "higher" level group, a
network instructs a lower grade subscriber to use transmission that
guarantees a higher group quality of service. Note that groups are
supposed to be compatible, i.e., mobile stations should have the
ability to be adjusted to the same transmission
characteristics.
[0179] FIG. 16 illustrates an exemplary call configuration process
700, which may be employed with the automatic mode of operation.
The process begins with a call initiation at step S700. This
initiation may be done by either party, and does not require that
both users be wireless mobile stations on the same network. For
instance, one of the users may have a mobile station registered on
a first network, while the other user may have a mobile station
registered on a second network. In an alternative, the second user
may have a wired or wireless voice over IP ("VOIP") device, which
may be communicating through an Internet server.
[0180] At steps 5702 and S704, determinations are made about the
calling party and called party tiers of quality/security services.
This may be done in accordance with any of the embodiments set
forth herein. At step S706 a determination is made as to whether
the tiers of service quality/security of both parties match. If
there is a match, then as shown in step S708 the call may commence
without service level changes by a network device (e.g., a base
station). After the call, the process may terminate at step
S710.
[0181] It should be noted that in the case of devices operating on
different networks and/or offerings by different providers, there
may not be an exact conformity between tiers of service. In
accordance with an aspect of the invention, even if there is not an
exact match of tiers, if the quality of service between the users'
tiers correlates in accordance with a predetermined threshold, then
a match may be declared and the process would proceed at step S708.
For instance, assume a first user has a first tier of service
quality/security corresponding to use of a first vocoder. The other
user may operate on a different network with a second tier of
service corresponding to use of a second vocoder. If the two
vocoders provide voice quality levels commensurate with one
another, e.g., a 10.0 kbps CELP codec for the first vocoder and a
9.5 kbps EVRC codec for the second vocoder, then a predetermined
threshold may be satisfied and the call may commence. Correlation
in accordance with such a threshold may be determined in accordance
with equivalent voice quality levels as set forth above.
[0182] If the tiers of service do not match, then as shown at step
S712 a network element (e.g., a base station) may select an
appropriate level of service for the device (e.g., mobile station)
having the lower tier of service. For instance, as shown at step
S714, a vocoder of the lower tier device may be selected to match
the higher tier of the other user's device. Alternatively or
additionally, additional bandwidth may be selected to match that of
the higher tier device. As shown at step S716, the vocoder or
bandwidth may be set to a predetermined bit rate or quality level
commensurate with the higher tier device. One of both of the
caller/callee parties may be billed in accordance with the upgrade,
as shown by step S718. After the call, the process may end at step
S710.
[0183] Another mode of operation may exist where, once a call is
initiated, the tier of operation of the calling/called party is
identified. This may be done, by way of example, with a network
device such as a serving base station querying a customer record
database. Alternatively, the calling/called party's device may
identify its level of quality/security service as set forth above,
such as via an identifier that is part of a transmitted data
packet. In either case, the premium tier mobile station may be
notified about the difference in service levels. At this point, the
premium tier mobile station user may elect to upgrade the other
party's quality/security levels for the call. For instance, the
premium tier party may choose to pay to upgrade the other party's
plan/tier for the current call.
[0184] Alternatively, the lower tier party may be notified that the
other party operates or is capable of operating at the premium
tier. Here, the lower tier party may be offered the opportunity to
upgrade his/her tier for the duration of the call. In yet another
alternative, the lower tier party may initially be offered the
upgrade option first and if he/she declines, then the premium tier
party may be offered the option to upgrade the other party. Or in a
further alternative, the premium tier party may initially be
offered the upgrade option first and if he/she declines, then the
lower tier party may be offered the option to upgrade the other
party. In still another alternative, at the time of subscribing to
a wireless service, a party choosing a tier less than the highest
tier may be offered as part of the plan an option for an automatic
upgrade to a higher tier whenever this party receives a phone call
from a second party having a higher tier of serves to match the
second party's tier, on a pay-per-call basis or for a fixed monthly
surcharge.
[0185] FIG. 17 illustrates an exemplary call configuration process
750, which may be employed with yet another mode of operation. The
process begins with a call initiation at step S750. As discussed
above with regard to process 700 of FIG. 16, this initiation may be
done by either party, and does not require that both users be
wireless mobile stations on the same network. For instance, one of
the users may have a mobile station registered on a first network,
while the other user may have a mobile station registered on a
second network. In an alternative, the second user may have a wired
or VoIP device, which may be communicating through an Internet
servers.
[0186] At steps 5752 and S754, determinations are made about the
calling party and called party tiers of services. This may be done
in accordance with any of the embodiments set forth herein. At step
S756, a determination is made as to whether the tiers of service of
both parties match. If there is a match, then as shown in step S758
the call may then commence. After the call, the process may
terminate at step S760.
[0187] If there is not a match, then one or both parties to the
call may be notified about the difference in service tiers, as
shown in step S762. Each notified party may be offered an option to
upgrade the lower tier user to match the service level of the
higher tier user, as shown in step S764, or this upgrade may take
place automatically according to each user's service plan. This may
be done by checking the user account record to see if the user has
elected an option to upgrade his/her service on a call by call
basis in the event of a call with another user with a higher tier
of service. Or this may be done if the higher tier user's account
record includes an indication that the user elects to upgrade the
other party. In another example, an indicator or request may be
sent to one or both users for display or other identification on
the respective user device. Here, the respective user may or may
not choose to upgrade the service.
[0188] A query may be made at step S766 to see if a user elected to
upgrade the service level of the lower tier device. If no upgrade
was chosen, then the process may continue at step S758. If an
upgrade was chosen, then the user who elected the upgrade may be
billed commensurately as shown in step S768.
[0189] As shown at step S770, a vocoder of the lower tier device
may be selected to match the higher tier of the other user's
device. This selection may be done by either user or by the network
(e.g., serving base station). Alternatively or additionally,
additional bandwidth may be selected to match that of the higher
tier device. As shown at step S772, the vocoder or bandwidth may be
set to a predetermined bit rate or quality level commensurate with
the higher tier device. After the call, the process may end at step
S760.
[0190] FIG. 18 illustrates an alternative mobile station or base
station 800 for use in accordance with aspects of the present
invention. The overall configuration is similar to the
architectures in FIGS. and 10. As shown in FIG. 18, the station 800
may include a baseband subsystem 802 and an RF or wireless
subsystem 804. Both the baseband and RF subsystems may be
controlled by a processor such as CPU 806. The RF subsystem 804
preferably includes transceiver coupled to an antenna (not shown).
By way of example only, the baseband subsystem may include DSP 808,
one or more vocoders 810, A/D converters 812, a user interface 814,
application software 816, peripherals 818 and one or more
quality/security service levels indicators 820, which may be hard
programmed into the station 800. In one example, this may be done
by programming the quality/security service levels indicators 820
into firmware of the baseband subsystem 802. In another example,
the programming may be accomplished by recording the
quality/security service levels indicators 820 in a nonvolatile
memory such as a ROM during manufacture of the station 800. In a
further example, the quality/security service levels indicator(s)
are hard programmed onto a subscriber identity module ("SIM") card,
which can be received through one of the peripherals 818.
[0191] The DSP 808 may perform various signal processing tasks, and
the vocoder(s) 810 may be separate from or part of the DSP 808. In
one example, the DSP is part of the processor 806 and/or may
perform operations of the processor 806. Multiple vocoders may be
desirable, especially in the situation where the mobile station is
configured to operate on different carriers' networks such as a
WCDMA network and a GSM network. Each vocoder may support multiple
bit rates. The user interface may include a text interface, a GUI,
actuators such as switches, buttons and the like. The application
software may be configured to run/control various programs on the
mobile station, such as a calendar program, a contacts program,
games, an Internet browser, etc. Different peripherals may also be
employed, such as an external audio output, microphone input, a
charging connector and connectors for other electronic devices,
such as a USB connector.
[0192] As shown, the station 800 also includes an
encryption/decryption device 822 therein. The encryption/decryption
device 822 may be separate from the vocoder(s) 810 or may be
integrated therein, such as shown by encryption/decryption device
822'. The device 822 or 822' may be controlled by the CPU 806
and/or the DSP 808 in view of one or more service level indicators
820. For instance, a particular level of encryption may be applied
to information transmitted from the station 800. This particular
level of encryption may be set based upon a security service level
indicator stored in the station 800. As discussed herein, a user
may select a security level as part of a contract with a service
provider. In addition, security levels may be negotiated and/or
adjusted when communicating among mobile stations that may
initially be set to different security levels.
[0193] Although the invention herein has been described with
reference to particular embodiments, it is to be understood that
these embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and
applications of the present invention. It is therefore to be
understood that numerous modifications may be made to the
illustrative embodiments and that other arrangements may be devised
without departing from the spirit and scope of the present
invention as defined by the appended claims. Furthermore, while
particular processes are shown in a specific order in the appended
drawings, such processes are not limited to any particular order
unless such order is expressly set forth herein.
[0194] In accordance with an aspect of the invention, the security
levels are determined per a service contract. Due to the
sensitivity of security implementation, it is desirable to separate
transmission and security planes, and concentrate security
operation in hands of the service provider. While this is
desirable, such an implementation does not preclude other
alternatives.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0195] The present invention enjoys wide industrial applicability
including, but not limited to, communicating among user devices in
wireless communication networks. The present invention allows
devices to effectively utilize a communications channel and
supports high quality and security of transmission, which will
benefit service providers and subscribers alike.
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